Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has admitted that he “can’t imagine” what one of his club teammates has been going through at Old Trafford.
Diogo Dalot excelled for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag last season and was named the Players’ Player of the Year for the 2023-24 campaign.
The 25-year-old United right-back made 50 appearances for the Red Devils in the previous campaign and was a standout performer in the club’s lacklustre season.
Dalot has featured in 12 matches across all competitions this season, but the United star has faced criticism in the campaign over his performances at times.
However, United manager Erik ten Hag has been forced to play Dalot out of position at times this season, with the right-back filling in at left-back for the Red Devils.
Ten Hag has faced a major blow at left-back for the 2024-25 campaign with the unavailability of first-choice left-back Luke Shaw and back-up Tyrell Malacia.
Dalot breaks silence on Man Utd teammate
Luke Shaw has missed the opening of the 2024-25 campaign after he suffered a pre-season injury, with the Manchester United star inching closer to a return.
Tyrell Malacia missed the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign due to a long-term injury and, much like Shaw, is working his way back to a return for United.
The 25-year-old Dutch left-back was named in United’s 25-man Europa League squad, despite pushing ahead with his return from injury.
Malacia, who was signed from Feyenoord in 2022, returned to United training in September and could soon make his first appearance for the team since May 2023.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Diogo Dalot welcomed Malacia’s return to training after the “really tough” period he has been through in his career.
“Yeah. It was really tough to see him and the struggle that he’s been through,” he said.
“You can’t imagine how difficult it would be to not be able to do what you love, your job, for such a long time.
“That’s why we celebrated when he came on training with us, even if it was just for the little boxes… to make sure that he feels we are ready to welcome him and to keep helping him, because he’s going to need it.
“At the end of the day, it was a really long time since he got an injury. We’re really pleased to have him. The team needs him and the club needs him, so we are really happy.”
Ten Hag on Malacia return
Erik ten Hag touched on Malacia in September and insisted that the Netherlands international is making “big steps” for his return to football after his knee injury.
“Of course, we want to motivate him to return, but it’s not so easy when you are so long away,” he said.
“Over a season now from an injury to return, but he’s working very hard, he’s progressing really well in this moment.
“He’s making big steps, so we think, at short notice, we can expect him in the team training, and he is a talent, it’s natural.
“I expect also, soon, he can return into games then.”
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