Diogo Dalot has been at the centre of attention in recent weeks because of disappointing performances at Manchester United. The player’s future could now be up in the air.
The right-back has played over 700 minutes in all competitions, having been a regular in the absence of Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu.
Despite that, there have been little signs of the player’s improvement. He has come under criticism regularly and that was also the case in the previous campaign. And multiple seasons before that. There’s no criticism of effort but that effort doesn’t produce enough quality.
There is now a growing possibility that the defender could be on his way out of Manchester United. But not because of his own performances.
Three clubs waiting in queue
Gazzetta dello Sport report that uncertainty is growing around the Portugal international’s contract scenario at Old Trafford. His current deal runs out in 2028 but there have not been signs of a renewal yet.
The newspaper send a warning that if Manchester United attempt a renewal, the player’s future could still lie away from the club. More than that, if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, he would consider an exit himself in the summer of 2027.
This can lead him back to Italy, where he had a loan spell at AC Milan that revitalised his career.
He would be interested in a return to the country, with Milan, Inter and Juventus all intrigued by the chance. All three clubs have made initial enquiries. There’s also interest from outside Serie A.
It’s worth noting that Dalot spoke to Gazzetta at the start of the season, so the newspaper clearly have good contacts with him.
During that chat, he was asked if the number of compatriots at Milan would make him watch more: “I think it’s more than natural. When you have a lot of Portuguese players, or even just a few, at a club, you always pay more attention to them. But as for me, I’ve always followed Milan.
“That doesn’t mean that just because there’s more Portugal I’ll follow them more, but it certainly makes it even more special. Having Portuguese players and a coach at a club I love so much will obviously make me watch the TV and follow the matches more often this season.”
Our take: Red Devils should consider sale
For many seasons, Diogo Dalot has never fully convinced as a starter for Manchester United. His best probably came under Erik ten Hag over two years ago. While he is playing regularly, there is a sense the club could do much better in the right-back role, with Leny Yoro also offering value in that position.
Besides, 2027 could be the Red Devils’ best chance at executing a sale and earning money from it. There is a club option to extend beyond 2028, although it would appear the player’s camp would want to negotiate something new.
There is no real reason for them to push the boat out for a renewal, which means the player should be sold. If anything, Manchester United should be exploring the market for possible suitors already.
