Diogo Dalot was the surprise name on Manchester United’s teamsheet when the starting line-up against Arsenal was announced.
It turned out Aaron Wan-Bissaka sustained a minor injury against Chelsea and was unavailable.
This was a big chance for Dalot. It was his first Premier League start since 2019, having fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Dalot’s previous start was in the Champions League against Villarreal when Wan-Bissaka was suspended, and he wasted that one, turned inside out by Arnaut Danjuma, and did not warrant a second chance.
His performance against Arsenal was a big success by comparison.
Dalot proves a point
Regardless of Wan-Bissaka’s fitness, Dalot has a chance to start on Sunday against Crystal Palace.
His performance against Arsenal showed he may warrant another opportunity.
United will have Ralf Rangnick in charge for that fixture. Dalot’s return to the line-up, and his return to form, could be perfectly timed.
Dalot was solid against Arsenal despite the team conceding two goals in the loss.
He was fluid going forward and tested goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale with an early shot at goal.
Dalot led the team in tackles (3), made two interceptions and three clearances.
The right-back also won four aerial duels, and in attack he was constantly offering an outlet even if United did not utilise him particularly effectively.
Wan-Bissaka’s development has stalled, and despite this, Dalot has not had too many real opportunities, which will have led to him question his future at the club.
Rangnick will have his own ideas of what he wants in a right-back, and whether Dalot or Wan-Bissaka is closer to it.
Dalot certainly did his chances no harm against Arsenal, and if his chances of being United’s top right-back were slim before the game, they have at least increased a little after last night.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, David de Gea and Bruno Fernandes were all excellent against Arsenal and deserve praise. But Diogo Dalot was the biggest winner from the evening.
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