Introduction
Manchester United’s right-back Diogo Dalot recently opened up about the turbulent phases of his career, shedding light on the most challenging period he endured while under the interim management of Ralf Rangnick. Signed from Porto by Jose Mourinho in 2018, Dalot’s journey with the Red Devils has been a rollercoaster ride marked by loan spells, personal growth, and eventual redemption. In this article, we explore Dalot’s experiences, his lowest points, and his resurgence under different managerial regimes.
Early Struggles and Loan Spell at AC Milan
Dalot joined Manchester United with high expectations, but his initial years were marred by inconsistent performances and limited playing time. This led to his loan to AC Milan for the 2020/21 season. The move to Italy proved to be a turning point for the young defender.
Growth and Development in Italy
At AC Milan, Dalot found the regular first-team football he desperately needed. The consistent game time allowed him to mature and refine his skills. “I played loads of minutes, which I needed, as I’d not played regularly for almost a year and a half,” Dalot recalled. Additionally, the cultural exposure and learning a new language contributed to his personal growth. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept much of Milan closed, Dalot made the most of his time there.
Return to Manchester United and the Rangnick Era
Dalot returned to Manchester United more confident and experienced. However, the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the subsequent appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager brought new challenges.
The Lowest Point
Under Rangnick, Manchester United experienced one of their worst seasons, recording their lowest points total in history. For Dalot, this period was particularly difficult. “The end of that season, when we finished badly, was my lowest point as a United player and we felt a bit hopeless,” he shared in an interview with FourFourTwo. Despite his improved performances, the team’s overall struggles cast a shadow over his individual progress.
Resurgence Under Erik ten Hag
The arrival of Erik ten Hag as the new manager brought a breath of fresh air to the squad. Dalot continued to play regularly and began to find his rhythm once again. The Portuguese international credits ten Hag with helping to lift the team and improve his own game.
Settling in Manchester
Off the field, Dalot had to adjust to life in Manchester, which was a stark contrast to Portugal. The weather and being away from friends posed significant challenges during his initial years. However, over time, he built new relationships within the team. “I have good friends here – from the team, I’m friends with Antony, Casemiro, Licha [Lisandro Martinez] and Bruno, plus David de Gea when he was here,” Dalot mentioned, highlighting his integration into the squad.
The Influence of Paolo Maldini
During his loan at Milan, Dalot received invaluable guidance from Paolo Maldini, the club’s technical director and legendary defender. Maldini’s insights on reading opponents and being patient on the field were instrumental in Dalot’s development. “Maldini gave me good pieces of advice about things such as reading opponents and being patient,” Dalot stated, acknowledging the impact of the Italian icon on his career.
Current Form and Future Prospects
This season, Dalot has been in impressive form and is considered a strong contender for Manchester United’s Player of the Season. His journey from a struggling young player to a key figure in the team is a testament to his resilience and hard work. With Erik ten Hag at the helm and a supportive network of friends and teammates, Dalot’s future at Manchester United looks promising.
Conclusion
Diogo Dalot’s career at Manchester United has been a story of trials and triumphs. From the lowest points under Ralf Rangnick to a period of resurgence under Erik ten Hag, Dalot has shown remarkable resilience and growth. His experiences, both on and off the field, have shaped him into a stronger player and an integral part of the Manchester United squad. As he continues to impress this season, fans and pundits alike are optimistic about what the future holds for this talented right-back.
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