Diogo Dalot has been Manchester United’s most improved player this season, and last night against Real Sociedad was no different.
He produced another very impressive performance as United won the game in Spain 1-0. While this wasn’t the two-goal margin of victory United required, it was in isolation a good result.
Dalot has started every single game for United this season, and is part of a side which has kept six clean sheets in the last seven games, only conceding to a penalty during this span.
This season his strong form has been relentless, a trait he continued last night, even with a second half position change.
Dalot stands out again
Dalot produced a strong defensive display against Sociedad, but was restricted from getting forward as much as usual after a tactical switch.
Manager Erik ten Hag switched to three at the back in the second half, an experiment which did not really work offensively as United pushed for a second goal.
It did test Dalot, Martinez and Luke Shaw, who stood tall at the back to keep a clean sheet and ensure that on the night at least, United emerged victorious.
Dalot completed 53 passes, more than any player on the pitch in a scrappy game, managing 96 total touches overall.
He made a total of six interceptions, and 10 ball recoveries. He also won seven duels.
After the game Dalot sent a message thanking the away fans, expressing some satisfaction United won a hard fought game, even if it wasn’t enough to top the group.
The right-back will return to action this weekend when Manchester United face Aston Villa in the Premier League – ahead of a very rare, and well deserved rest.
Dalot could sit out next week’s Carabao Cup tie against Villa, allowing a returning Aaron Wan-Bissaka a chance to fill in.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
