Diogo Dalot did his very best to hide a knowing smile as Ruben Amorim’s name was brought up following Manchester United’s 5-2 EFL Cup hammering of Leicester City.
As the proverbial elephant came trumpeting his way into the post-match media section at Old Trafford, the Red Devils right-back would have been forgiven for wishing he was anywhere else as the Manchester United supporters waited with baited breath for any hint towards Ruben Amorim’s seemingly inevitable arrival.
In the end, it was Sir Dave Brailsford – Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s long-serving right-hand man – who all-but confirmed Amorim’s appointment. The Man United chief was spotted telling fans at full-time that Amorim was a ‘done’ deal.
For Dalot, meanwhile, this week brings mixed feelings. Regret about what went wrong, and excitement for the future yet to come.
Diogo Dalot reacts as Manchester United near Ruben Amorim appointment
The Portugal international was one of the players who made great strides under Erik ten Hag, even if his form of late has left plenty to be desired.
Dalot became a regular alongside the Dutchman, and was a major part of those two Wembley triumphs over Newcastle and Manchester City.
“It is [sad], and we felt it the day afterwards,” Dalot told reporters. “[Ten Hag] was man that breathes football 100 per cent. This is what he loves the most.
“But this is football. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We just wish him all the best, thank him for everything he did for us. He helped me a lot. He helped me bring through at this club and gave me all the confidence that I needed to show I can play for this club.
“And we won trophies together. We keep good memories.”
Dalot’s disappointment at seeing Ten Hag pack his bags, however, will be offset to some extent by the exciting arrival of one of Europe’s most promising young coaches.
The former FC Porto starlet will be well aware of the remarkable job Amorim did at Sporting Lisbon. He ended Sporting’s 19-year wait for a league title – Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a committed member of the Amorim fanclub – and leaves The Lions in pole position for a third domestic triumph in four seasons.
“I mean, obviously he is a good manager!” Dalot adds while fighting tooth and nail not to give away any hint of an emotion.
“We don’t know if he is coming or not. We see the rumours, like everybody, but we will just focus on doing our job. What the future brings, we will be ready.”
Dalot lauds Casemiro after two-goal Leicester City masterclass
On a night of rare positives for Manchester United – interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy emulated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2018 with a five-goal victory – Bruno Fernandes opened his account for the season, Dalot put his poor form behind him with a fine assist for Alejandro Garnacho, and Casemiro rolled back the years with two thumping Carabao Cup finishes from very different distances.
Casemiro 30-yard thumper left Leicester City boss Steve Cooper in disbelief on the touchline.
And, after rattling in another from far closer in, the former Real Madrid midfielder came only inches away from a hugely unexpected first-half hat-trick.
“Unbelievable goal. He has that in him, those abilities,” Dalot adds when asked about Casemiro’s Goal of the Season contender with only 15 minutes on the clock. “And it shows how much he was confident to [shoot] that far from the goal. So I am glad he did.
“We know that when he is at this level, when he is in his best shape, I think he is an unbelievable player. He can help us a lot.
“So, today, I think he showed a very fantastic level.”
Van Nistelrooy is likely to stay in charge for Man United’s clash with Chelsea this weekend. Ruben Amorim appears likely to take charge at Old Trafford after the November international break now.
“We have a fantastic game to play on Sunday,” Dalot concludes.
“Hopefully the fans are with us like they have been all season. [We want] a good atmosphere and hopefully a good game to watch.”
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