Manchester United are expected to rotate the team in midweek against Brighton and Aaron Wan-Bissaka one player who could drop out.
While Timothy Fosu-Mensah is an option to replace him after starting United’s opening game of the season, this game gives Diogo Dalot a chance for some game time too.
That depends of course on how open United are regarding the Portuguese talent staying at the club.
The Telegraph reported back in July that Dalot was available for transfer. At the current stage, United have had no permanent bids and Dalot looks as though he may stay at Old Trafford.
A chance to show what he can do
As it stands, Dalot is not likely to break into the Premier League team any time soon. He needs a cup game to prove his worth.
This game is a good opportunity for him, especially after a mixed display from Wan-Bissaka at Brighton at the weekend.
Dalot has not started a competitive game for United since June, the FA Cup quarter-final away at Norwich, although he did feature in the recent friendly against Aston Villa.
Injuries have hampered his Old Trafford career, but as it stands he is fit and available and was included on the bench in the Carabao Cup against Luton last week, a game Wan-Bissaka started.
Fosu-Mensah has overtaken him in the pecking order, temporarily perhaps, owing to his versatility which gives United extra defensive options from the bench.
One of the strengths of Dalot’s game is his crossing, and if United start Odion Ighalo up front, a player who occupies the penalty area more than Anthony Martial who drifts wide and deep at times, then the former Porto right-back have have a good chance to link up with the striker.
Financial incentive?
This may also be an opportunity for United to put Dalot in the shop window ahead of the transfer deadline.
Dalot has been linked with a move to AC Milan, who want a loan. United are looking to sell.
A strong performance from Dalot against Brighton could net the United millions if a club is convinced to splash out on him as a result.
Either way, it could be win-win for United if he plays, and stays or goes. If he does stay put, Dalot will be better off for getting 90 minutes under his belt.
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