Why Manchester United were right to send Diogo Dalot away on loan

According to Sky Sports, Diogo Dalot of Manchester United has joined AC Milan on loan for the season

Profile

Diogo Dalot is a 21-year-old Portuguese right-back who plays for Manchester United. He started his youth career at Escola de Formacao Fintas in 2007 but moved to Porto’s academy the next year.

In the next few seasons, he played for their youth sides, progressing through the lower age teams. While he was in the Porto B team, he was called up to play a Taca De Portugal game for the senior side against Lusitano GC. He made his first league appearance in the next year against Rio Ave FC in February 2018.

After just 8 appearances for the senior side, Manchester United signed him ahead of the 2018-19 season. A lot was expected from Dalot as he was thought to be the long-term solution to Manchester United’s right-back issues. However, things have been difficult for the youngster.

In two seasons for the club, he has made a paltry 35 appearances while scoring once and assisting thrice (source – Transfermarkt). Dalot has been a regular for the Portugal youth side but is yet to be called up to the senior team.

Why Man United were right to part with Dalot

For a player who was tipped to be Manchester United’s first-team right-back, Dalot’s stock has considerably fallen over the last few seasons. Not only is he behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka, once outcast Timothy Fosu-Mensah is also ahead of the Portuguese. Add to that, Ethan Laird is knocking on the door for first-team football.

Dalot is a decent wing-back but leaves much to be desired at both ends of the pitch. The £25k-a-week starlet was tried out at right-wing for a couple of games but it didn’t seem to pay off. In a back-four, he is suspect defensively.

Verdict

From the initial looks of the team selections so far, it didn’t bode well for the 21-year-old. He featured in just one EFL Cup tie.

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Manchester United have enough players in the position. Keeping Dalot would have been a waste of their money and his potential. The club were better off parting with Dalot at this point of time and the loan move is ideal for all parties involved.