Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot, a promising young right-back from Portugal, officially joined Manchester United on June 6, 2018. He was transferred from FC Porto, where he had played for several years and honed his skills in the Portuguese league. Manchester United paid a reported fee of around €22 million to secure the services of the talented defender, who was seen as a potential long-term asset for the club given his potential and versatility in the defensive backline.

On March 6, 2019, Diogo Dalot played a vital role in one of Manchester United's most memorable matches, a dramatic 3-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Coming on as a substitute, Dalot's presence on the pitch changed the dynamic of the game. His shot from outside the box led to a handball by PSG's Presnel Kimpembe, resulting in a penalty that Marcus Rashford converted. This goal sealed United's progress to the quarter-finals under the away-goals rule.

Diogo Dalot temporarily left Manchester United on October 4, 2020, to join AC Milan on a season-long loan. This move to the Italian Serie A was designed to give Dalot more first-team experience that was not guaranteed at Manchester United due to competition in defense. While at Milan, Dalot featured regularly in both domestic and European competitions, gaining valuable experience and contributing to Milan's strong performance in the league and Europa League.

After his loan spell at AC Milan, Diogo Dalot returned to Manchester United. On November 23, 2021, he made a significant impact under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later Ralf Rangnick. His improved performances, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking flair, earned him regular starts, especially after the injuries to other defensive players. His development was evident, and he became an integral part of United's defensive line-up shortly after his return.

On September 2, 2022, Diogo Dalot scored his first goal for the Portugal national team in a UEFA Nations League match against Czech Republic. This marked a significant milestone in his international career as he demonstrated his ability to contribute to the team not just defensively but also offensively. Dalot's performance in the match was lauded as he also maintained his defensive duties, helping Portugal to a crucial 4-0 victory, boosting their chances of advancing into the later stages of the tournament.

On January 14, 2023, Manchester United announced that Diogo Dalot has signed a contract extension, reflecting the club's faith in his abilities and potential. Dalot's renewed deal was a testament to his growth and importance to the team, having established himself as a first-choice right-back with improved performances both defensively and offensively. The extension was widely covered in media as a smart move by United, securing a key player for their future endeavors.

On March 26, 2023, Diogo Dalot delivered an outstanding performance in a European Championship Qualifier for Portugal against Luxembourg. His ability to transition rapidly from defense to attack was on full display. Dalot provided two assists in a commanding 6-0 victory, reaffirming his status as one of Portugal's key players under the management of Fernando Santos. His versatility and work rate were key factors in the national team’s efforts to qualify for the upcoming European Championship.

Diogo Dalot featured prominently in Manchester United's squad during their FA Cup final match against Manchester City held on May 29, 2023. Despite a valiant effort, Manchester United fell short with a 2-1 loss to their city rivals. Dalot's performance in the final was noted as he was tasked with containing some of City's most formidable attackers. His defensive capabilities were put to the test as he tried to curb the influence of players like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

On August 9, 2023, Diogo Dalot played a crucial role as Manchester United claimed victory in the UEFA Super Cup. The match saw United face off against the reigning Europa League winners, and Dalot's defensive effort and forward forays significantly contributed to the team's 2-1 win. This triumph added another trophy to United's cabinet and was an important booster for the club heading into the new season. Dalot's performance was a highlight in the post-match discussions.

On October 8, 2023, Diogo Dalot showcased his burgeoning talent during a Premier League clash where his defensive and offensive contributions were pivotal in Manchester United's victory over a top rival. Dalot's performance on the day included several key tackles, precise interceptions, and a beautifully weighted assist that helped seal the win. His continued development was praised by fans and pundits alike, noting his rising influence both at club and international levels.