Manchester United fans can be forgiven for forgetting about Diogo Dalot.The Portuguese full-back was in and out of the team in 2018/19 and 2019/20, leading to his departure at the start of October.He joined AC Milan on a season-long loan and, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka the clear first-choice right-back at Old Trafford, it seemed like the smart choice for all sides.The reports coming out of the club over the summer months weren’t good.According to The Athletic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t feel as though Dalot had done enough in training or matches to warrant playing in matches.The United boss also believed that the right-back was cautious in tackles and on the ball.
Given the lack of action, it hardly seemed surprising when a report from journalist Duncan Castles - as referenced by The Sun - came out in September that Dalot wasn’t happy with the situation and wanted to leave.He eventually got his wish, signing for Serie A side AC Milan until the end of the campaign.And AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli might have unlocked something in Dalot after the 21-year-old starred in their 3-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Europa League on Thursday.Dalot scored and provided a brilliant assist as Milan cruised to victory at the San Siro.
He played at left-back due to Theo Hernandez’s absence.
“It makes no difference to me whether I play on the right or the left, I go where the coach tells me to,” Dalot said ahead of the game per Football Italia, proving it wasn’t an issue for him.
He went on to produce an impressive performance capped off by his goal in the second half.
Check out this for an assist…
Watch Dalot's individual highlights
Dalot’s individual highlights from the contest have emerged and they suggest he might have a future at Man United after all.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano added weight to that claim with an interesting nugget during the match.
“He’s joined Milan on simple loan - #MUFC refused to include the buy option because they’re convinced Dalot will be a top full back in the future,” Romano wrote on Twitter.
That’s interesting.
Dalot can play on either side of the defence and he’s still young.
Don’t count him out from making a name for himself at Old Trafford just yet.