- Diogo Dalot enjoying impressive season at Man Utd
- Portuguese right-back is often scrutinised
- A new right-back could be on the cards
Diogo Dalot is quite a divisive player amongst Manchester United fans, and there remain question marks over his place in the team. The Portuguese defender is the Red Devils’ starting right-back and has been for many seasons.
The 27-year-old moved to a right wing-back role during Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous reign. One thing is for sure: Dalot is not a wing-back, and his displays in the position were frustrating.
Nobody can fault the former FC Porto man’s character and he is one of the most popular individuals in the dressing room. Despite many believing he shouldn’t be Michael Carrick’s first-choice right-back, he actually has proven to be one of his most important players.
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Dalot influence is clear
Dalot has been at United since the summer of 2018, when he arrived from Porto for around £19m. He took his time breaking into the Reds’ first team and even spent a season on loan at AC Milan.
Since late 2021, the Portugal international has been a starter, initially rotating with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The club decided to sell Wan-Bissaka to West Ham United in 2024, noting that Dalot was the first-choice right-back.
He has put a miserable past season behind him and proven his worth with some crucial performances this term. In fact, the Reds haven’t lost a game when he has started in his preferred position in the Premier League this season.
That might surprise a fair few fans and maybe turn a few heads. He has appeared 36 times across competitions, posting one goal and three assists.
Do United need a new right-back?
The transfer chiefs are preparing for the first summer transfer window of Carrick’s reign. The English tactician is set to be confirmed as United boss in the near future.
Carrick is set to be backed with a midfield overhaul ahead of Casemiro’s departure. Manuel Ugarte’s future also looks likely to lie away from Old Trafford.
Dalot is contracted to the club until the summer of 2028 and doesn’t look likely to be on the move anytime soon. But United may well view the right-back position as one that could do with improving.
Noussair Mazraoui has served as backup to Dalot this season and the Moroccan hasn’t been at his best. With a return to the Champions League on the horizon, there is a need for depth and also ensuring Carrick has a team that can challenge for trophies.
