Diogo Dalot’s agent Carlos Gonçalves has hailed his client for overcoming a difficult phase at Manchester United.
The 26-year-old is managed by Proeleven, an agency owned by Gonçalves. Wednesday’s edition of A Bola interviewed the agent to discuss FC Porto, which is also Dalot’s former club.
Manchester United signed the defender from the Dragons in 2017 when José Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international played six games under his compatriot before the Red Devils showed the manager the exit door in December 2017 and replaced him with Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Gonçalves explained the fullback didn’t feature regularly for the Premier League club straight away due to injuries.
“Diogo is an exceptional player, an exceptional person. What he has done doesn’t surprise me, he has always been very focused, very professional, very hard-working,” he said.
“He knows exactly what he wants and how to achieve it. Let’s not forget that he left Porto injured, when José Mourinho took him to Manchester United. There is a recovery phase there, he doesn’t start playing straight away.
“Then, when he starts playing, the coach changes, and a coach comes in with a different idea, who signs an English right-back, who is no longer at the club, who had cost a lot of money [Aaron Wan-Bissaka].”
During Solskjær’s reign at Old Trafford, Manchester United sent Dalot on loan to AC Milan during the 2020/21 season. The player’s situation improved after the Norwegian’s exit and especially after Erik ten Hag’s arrival.
Dalot cemented his place in Manchester United’s starting lineup during the 2022/23 season and has maintained his place in the side.
On his client’s rise at Manchester United, Gonçalves explained: “Diogo was always working. At the time, AC Milan showed interest in having him, I think it was an important year. He came back later, and everyone can see what Diogo has been doing.
“United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, regardless of the current situation, and there is no doubt that Diogo is also one of the best players in the world.”
