Gary Neville has warned Manchester United not to replace Diogo Dalot ahead of a summer of potential upheaval, insisting Jose Mourinho’s £19m signing can ‘do a decent job’ for the club.
Mourinho boasted that United had signed the ‘best young full-back in Europe’ when Dalot joined from Portuguese club Porto in 2019.
Dalot has been a mainstay in the Old Trafford side over the past five seasons, making over 200 appearances in all competitions.
The 26-year-old has not always impressed, however, receiving criticism from supporters and club legends including former captain Roy Keane.
Dalot’s role in the team was unclear in Ruben Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 system and he is one of a number of United players who appear to be benefitting from the Portuguese’s recent sacking.
Playing as a traditional full-back instesd of a wing-back, Dalot helped Manchester United keep a clean sheet in last weekend’s derby win over Manchester City and then played his part in Sunday’s thrilling victory at Arsenal.
Neville was keen to single out Dalot for praise after United ended Arsenal’s unbeaten home record and insisted he sees a ‘half-defeat full back’ in the Portugal international.
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Dalot’s mixed form at Old Trafford has led to some calls that he should be replaced but Neville believes it would be a mistake to ‘get rid’ of a player signed by Mourinho.
‘Another player I want to mention is Diogo Dalot,’ Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. ‘Look, he gets a really harsh view at times off quite a few United fans.
‘I actually think there’s a half-decent full back in there. And I want full backs so closely.
‘At times I think he gets too involved but he’s good in the air, he’s athletic, he’s decent on the ball, he can defend his back post.
‘I don’t think he’s a world class full back but neither was I. He does a lot of things and he could even simplify his game a little and focus on feeding people.
‘He’s started being more aggressive at getting out to players and then getting back in. The defenders in general are really getting that connection in the last two games.
‘I think he’s got something about him, Dalot, I think he’s got a 7/10 performance in him every week.
‘But we’ve seen him at right and left wing back before and he’s been exposed so many times. If he just played right fullback all the time I wouldn’t be getting rid of him as a hurry.
‘Other people may disagree with me but I know that position well and I think he can do a decent job for Manchester United.’
Carrick will attempt to extend his record to three wins from three when United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday.
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