Diogo Dalot faced a tough opponent in Leeds’ Wilfried Gnonto during Manchester United’s 2-0 win against their rivals on Sunday.
But despite the teenager having the right-back on his toes, Dalot proved former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was right about him – even after he left the field.
Dalot was all smiles at the end of Leeds v Man United despite being taken off
Following Dalot’s Premier League debut in December 2021, he earned himself a regular spot in interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s side, alongside Portugal teammate Ronaldo.
Ronaldo was then pushed out of the starting XI by Erik ten Hag this campaign following Rangnick’s exit, whilst Dalot continued to shine.
But despite being iced out, the centre-forward still gave his compatriot a special mention in his explosive interview with Piers Morgan that eventually led to his departure from the club just before the World Cup.
After slamming other young Man United stars in the interview, Ronaldo praised Dalot, saying: “If you ask me what I see in Man United, Diogo Dalot is an example.
“He is young, but he is very, very professional. And I’m not doubting that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and is very professional.”
And if Dalot’s display both on and off the pitch at Elland Road on Sunday is anything to go off, Ronaldo appears to have been correct in his judgement of the right-back.
Ronaldo has high hopes for Dalot, who’s been at Man United since the summer of 2018
With Leeds knocking on the door at 0-0 in the second half, the 23-year-old was taken off in the 73rd minute and replaced with Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
But despite presumably being frustrated by one of his efforts hitting the cross bar and being substituted as his side chased the winner, Dalot didn’t throw a tantrum.
Instead, he sprinted off the pitch and shook his substitute’s hand.
Dalot really proved Ronaldo right, though, when Marcus Rashford netted the opener.
When Rashford’s header went in, Dalot – who had been taken off – jumped to his feet to celebrated on the touchline with his manager
Whilst the rest of the bench cheered from their seats, Dalot was the only Man United player to jump to his feet and celebrate next to a delighted Ten Hag on the touchline. There was no sulking here, just pure delight that the team were on their way to winning three valuable points.
This isn’t the first time the Portuguese ace has showed his humble side, either.
In October, he revealed he used his first Man United pay cheque to pay for a new minibus for his boyhood club.
Since Ten Hag’s arrival in the summer, there has been an emphasis on improving attitudes in the dressing room, and that change has spoken for itself on the pitch this season, with the Red Devils third in the league.
And should Man United want to keep pushing to win titles again, Dalot seems to be the perfect kind of player Ten Hag will want around – just like Ronaldo suggested.
Source: talksport
