Diogo Dalot impressed for Manchester United against Crystal Palaceplaceholder image
Diogo Dalot impressed for Manchester United against Crystal Palace | Getty Images
Man Utd had an unsung hero from their victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Manchester United's comeback win over Crystal Palace was a good one for their Portuguese contingent. Ruben Amorim silenced his critics with an impressive second-half performance in which compatriot Bruno Fernandes was the mastermind with two assists.
It was also a very good day for Diogo Dalot. Amorim had demanded more from his wing-back ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park and Dalot responded with arguably his best performance of the season. It was the perfect way to mark his 150th appearance in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old was recalled to the United starting line up for the Palace clash and rewarded Amorim's faith with a rounded performance on the left wing. Not only did he produce a resolute defensive performance, winning the most duels of any United player, but he also posed an attacking threat and won the free-kick that led to their winning goal.
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“I’m very happy to reach this beautiful milestone in the biggest league in the world," Dalot said after the win. "My journey has been one of constant growth as both a man and a player, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved knowing that I’m only 26 and still have so much more to accomplish in my career. I’m enjoying every moment.”
Jose Mourinho once claimed Dalot could be United's right-back for the next ten years. It hasn't always been easy, but he's almost there. Now in his eighth season, he remains an important player under another head coach. Mourinho signed him, he contributed to the highs of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reign, featured regularly under Erik ten Hag, and is now a trusted part of Ruben Amorim's squad. That doesn't happen without hard work and a professional attitude.
Dalot has proved his critics wrong on countless occasions during his Old Trafford career and is working hard to do so again now. He is aware that the full-back role suits him better than the wing-back one, a job made even trickier when he is deployed on the left, like he was at Selhurst Park.
He could keep that position when United host West Ham in the Premier League on Thursday night, and if he plays well again, he will be in the line up against Wolves next week. It would make Amorim's job a lot easier if he did.
United are set to be without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations over the festive period, which will give Dalot the chance to lock down a starting role. If he continues to play with the same spirit and discipline he showed against Palace, there is no guarantee he will lose it even when they are all back.
After he was named in Amorim's six-man leadership group, Dalot is now leading by example once again. A 10-year spell at the club isn't out of the question.
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