Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot loves playing at Old Trafford.
With the US phase of Manchester United’s pre-season now done and dusted, Erik ten Hag’s side have just two friendly matches before the new Premier League campaign gets underway.
United face a double header this weekend to wrap up their pre-season schedule. It starts with a home match against RC Lens on Saturday afternoon, before the squad travels to Dublin to face Athletic Club just 24 hours later.
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will select two different groups for either game, but it’s a good opportunity to get some extra minutes in before the competitive season begins.
Irish Reds will be hoping to see the new signings in action at the Aviva Stadium.
Speaking about returning to Old Trafford, Dalot explained how special it is to play at the Theatre of Dreams.
“It feels so much like home to be honest,” Dalot told club media, as per ManUtd.com.
”Every time we play at home it’s the routine, going to Old Trafford you know and expect that the fans are going to be there before the game, so you get a little bit of a connection beforehand with them, every single game.
”It’s special and then walking through the tunnel, warming up, playing the game, every time and every moment is special and sometimes, when you play a lot of times there, you can forget how much of a good experience it is at Old Trafford.
“I make sure that I bring a lot of fans, a lot of family to experience a game at Old Trafford and they all say it’s just something they never experienced and that always mean that it is something so special.
“For me, every time I go there and I play there, I try to realise that it is a special moment.”
United fans will be exciting to return to Old Trafford for the new season, although there is likely to be protests against the Glazer family since the takeover has been paused.
Hopefully, the team can continue to give us something to shout about this season.
Dalot added how the Old Trafford faithful has the ability to become a 12th man at home games to give the players an extra boost.
“Like I used to say, they are the 12th man every time. I think we feel that we need them every single game, whether we’re winning or if we are losing, they are always there and they always have that.
“They can feel when you need them the most and that’s where they come in with real passion and that desire of making sure that we feel that they are there.
“That is something that you cannot ask more of from all of our fans in the world. Every time you play, every time you go to away games, they always make sure that they are there supporting us no matter where or how many hours or even flights you have to make.
“It’s always special and I have a really special place in my heart for the Man United fans.”
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
