Diogo Dalot is enjoying his most impressive season at Manchester United amidst what’s been a tumultuous campaign for the club.
Signed by Jose Mourinho for a fee of £19 million in 2018, it has taken time for the Portugal international to live up to the expectations set of him at Old Trafford.
He ranked incredibly high in Mourinho’s estimations, with the former manager deeming Dalot one of the best right-backs around at the time of his arrival – then just 19 years old.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proceeded to use Dalot sporadically during the first seasons of his tenure, partially due to frequent injuries and also because of his preference for counterpart Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He was subsequently loaned to AC Milan from October 2020 to June 2021.
Now an integral starter at the heart of Erik ten Hag’s backline, Dalot has catapulted himself into the mix of contenders for United’s most improved player of the term. His availability has been second to none – he has yet to miss a game through injury or illness thus far, and during a season of a debilitating injury crisis, that has been crucial.
Gary Neville is one former Red-turned-pundit who is notoriously hard to please, especially given the drop-off in United’s form and successes compared to his illustrious playing days.
He, however, has been left thoroughly impressed with what he’s seen of the 25-year-old in 2023/2024 and has frequently singled out Dalot for high praise over his showings.
Dalot earns worthy recognition for resurgent form
The player was made aware of the recognition he’s received from Neville, responding (as per A Bola via Sport Witness): “I see it as a responsibility. It’s always good to hear praise, especially from players who have already played for the club and know what it means to represent a club like Manchester United.
“It’s the result of the work I’m doing and I want to take advantage of this moment to help the national team. I know that the demands here are very high and so is the competition.”
