Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about one member of Michael Carrick's squad have been proven spot on
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates with Cristiano Ronaldo, Luke Shaw, Anthony Elanga and Diogo Dalot after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United
Cristiano Ronaldo highlighted one face at Manchester United whom he admires, and his claims have been backed up by a member of the current squad(Image: Michael Regan, Getty Images)
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Benjamin Sesko is striving to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy by propelling Manchester United to new heights. And it appears the pair share a common affinity for certain figures at Old Trafford.
Specifically, Sesko has mirrored Ronaldo in forming a tight-knit relationship with United defender Diogo Dalot. Beyond their shared Portuguese heritage, Ronaldo had previously expressed admiration for his compatriot's qualities when discussing players he respects.
During the latter part of Ronaldo's second tenure at Old Trafford, he made his infamous appearance on Piers Morgan's TalkTV show. When asked about team-mates or rivals he held in high regard, Dalot emerged as the top pick among his United colleagues.
"In Manchester United I can mention Dalot," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. "He's young, but very professional [and] I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional. Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot."
Fast-forward to today, and Dalot has shown other admirable qualities after assisting Sesko with his adaptation. The 22-year-old moved to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig last summer in a transfer potentially worth £74million, with Dalot playing his part in ensuring the transition went smoothly.
When questioned about which team-mates at United he has particularly connected with, the Slovenian revealed on the Inside Carrington podcast: "Diogo Dalot. From the start, he was really helping me.
"Trying to help me in all the ways because it's a different world here. I'm really grateful that he stood up, and he saw his younger self in me. We are still pushing each other every day, doing all the work."
Diogo Dalot and Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United applaud the fans after the Premier League match between Burnley and Manchester United at Turf Moor
Benjamin Sesko has formed a close friendship with Diogo Dalot at Old Trafford(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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United supporters may well have Dalot to credit in part for Sesko's recent improvement in form. The forward has found the net five times in his previous six outings and has proved instrumental to Michael Carrick's strong start as caretaker boss.
Sesko netted both of United's strikes in a 2-2 draw away at Burnley last month, though not the outcome he and his colleagues desired. He's subsequently emerged from the substitutes' bench to grab the decisive goal in a 3-2 triumph over Fulham, also securing the late leveller in the 1-1 draw at West Ham last week.
Dalot, 26, also remains a key figure in Carrick's thinking despite certain supporters voicing reservations about his performances. The full-back has netted once and provided three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Porto academy product, who arrived at United in 2018, proved particularly valuable in Ruben Amorim's previous system given his capability in either wing-back position. While that role has been abandoned under Carrick, the club legend has still discovered a use for a player both Sesko and Ronaldo evidently hold in high regard.
Dalot seems to have secured his position as first-choice right-back under Carrick, while Sesko has predominantly had to accept substitute appearances. It's an arrangement that's functioned well thus far, though the latter will be hoping to share more playing time with his pal in the coming months.
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