Manchester United’s Champions League last-16 opponents Atletico Madrid enquired about signing Diogo Dalot in the January transfer window.
According to the Athletic, Diego Simeone liked the fact that United’s right-back has the versatility to play both full-back positions.
El Cholo also wanted United’s number 20 to replace Kieran Trippier who departed for the newly-rich Newcastle last month.
Los Colchoneros’ pursuit of Dalot came after United were knocked back in their enquiries to sign Trippier during the summer window.
The reigning La Liga champions refused to sell the England international and priced him too highly, therefore the Red Devils started the season with Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as our right-back options.
Diogo Dalot one of first names on teamsheet
Prior to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, the 22-year-old had only received 84 minutes of Premier League game time across four appearances.
Those four outings were a one minute cameo against Wolves in injury time, a 55 minute run out against Aston Villa because Luke Shaw got injured, 28 minutes in the 5-0 drubbing against Liverpool after Paul Pogba had been sent off, and finally a five minute appearance against Watford because Shaw had suffered a head injury.
When the Portuguese international came on against the Hornets, United were 2-1 down but still chasing an equaliser despite having Harry Maguire sent off.
But Claudio Ranieri’s Watford scored two goals in injury time which effectively forced the Manchester United hierarchy to part ways with the Norwegian.
However, since interim boss Ralf Rangnick has took over the reins, Dalot has become a regular in the German’s side.
The man who was on loan at AC Milan last season has started eight of the 11 games Rangnick has took charge.
On current evidence, the 63-year-old favours Dalot’s positive and attack-minded approach to the right-back role, something which Wan-Bissaka has struggled to adapt to since joining Manchester United side.
Dalot’s concentration, ability to sniff out danger and winning the one-v-one defensive duels is also improving.
He’s steadily becoming the all-round, all-action right-back Manchester United crave, and he’ll be able to show Atletico Madrid and Simeone first-hand the array of qualities he possesses.
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