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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is now in his ninth season at Old Trafford and remains an important figure for the Premier League club. The Red Devils were briefly linked with signing a new right-back this summer, but the transfer window closed without any addition in that position.

United also have Noussair Mazraoui, who has both filled in for Dalot and challenged him for a place in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has also used Leny Yoro in that role during pre-season, with the Frenchman emerging as another possible option there.

The Portugal international right-back began the campaign on the bench in the 2-0 loss to Hull City at the MKM Stadium, with Mazraoui preferred for the opening fixture.

Dalot returned to the starting XI against Ipswich Town on Matchday two and helped Carrick’s side record a 5-2 victory at the Theatre of Dreams. The 27-year-old then kept his place against Everton last weekend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where United were held to a 2-2 draw, and he continues to be the first-choice option in the position.

Dalot came through the youth system at Porto and made his breakthrough into the senior team in 2017. One year later, he completed a move to Old Trafford, with many believing United had landed one of Europe’s brightest young prospects.

However, his progress at the Theatre of Dreams did not unfold as expected. Dalot found opportunities limited under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, before joining AC Milan on loan in the summer of 2020.

His versatility proved valuable for the Rossoneri, who wanted to sign him permanently at the end of that season. Even so, Dalot remained at United and eventually established himself as the club’s main right-back.

Last season, Dalot recorded one goal and three assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils.

The defender was also part of the Portugal squad that exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16 after losing to Spain. Dalot recently spoke in an interview about a range of subjects, including his long stay with the English club.

Speaking recently to DAZN, as quoted by Record, Dalot explained what Portugal must do if they are to reach the highest level in international football. He said: “Individual quality alone does not win competitions.”

“We have to find the best way to bring together the skills that all the players possess and turn them into a strong collective team.”

The discussion then turned to his time at Old Trafford. Asked whether he had any regrets about leaving Porto for United at such a young age, the Portuguese replied: “It was important for me to take a big step, but also the right one.”

“I know it has made me a mentally stronger player, because I’ve been through some very difficult times.”

Reflecting on United’s slow beginning to the new season, Dalot stressed that there was no need for alarm. He added: “Sometimes we finish pre-season feeling confident and then things get off to a bad start. That doesn’t mean we’ve done a bad job or that things aren’t going well.”

Dalot’s ability to play in different roles remains valuable for United, particularly after INEOS did not strengthen the left-back position during the summer. The Portuguese is due to enter the final year of his contract next summer, meaning the Red Devils will soon have to make a decision over his future.