Diogo Dalot has emerged as a key figure at Manchester United, defying the doubts that former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer harboured about his defensive abilities. Solskjaer, who is now being linked with a return to Old Trafford, privately questioned whether Dalot could defend, a sentiment that later became public.
Dalot joined United in 2018 under Jose Mourinho but saw limited opportunities after Solskjaer took over and spent £50million on Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Injuries and a lack of trust from Solskjaer led to the Portuguese full-back making only four Premier League appearances in the 2019/20 season, with Solskjaer even preferring Timothy Fosu-Mensah over him for a key match against Crystal Palace.
A loan spell at AC Milan in 2020/21 helped revive Dalot's career, and upon returning to United, he gradually earned more playing time after Solskjaer's dismissal. Under interim manager Ralf Rangnick and later Erik ten Hag, Dalot established himself as a reliable option, eventually making his 150th Premier League appearance this season.
Ruben Amorim, the current manager, has also been impressed by Dalot's versatility, deploying him on both flanks in a wing-back system. The defender has become an integral part of the squad, with the club willing to sell Wan-Bissaka but retaining Dalot.
If Solskjaer does return as manager, Dalot will face his former boss having proven his worth. He has started only 10 Premier League games under Solskjaer across nearly three years, including his loan spell, but has since convinced multiple managers of his value at full-back or wing-back on either side.
Dalot himself expressed his commitment during a pre-season tour in 2022, stating, 'I feel like I'm a Man United player. I want to be ready for the manager, for the club, and every time he needs me I'm going to be there.' His resilience and progress highlight a remarkable turnaround from the doubts of his early days at the club.
