Cristiano Ronaldo verdict on Diogo Dalot is no longer enough in 2025, he needs so much more

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Cristiano Ronaldo gave his backing to Diogo Dalot three years ago. Right now Manchester United need more.

Three years ago Cristiano Ronaldo fired several parting shots at Manchester United when he orchestrated an exit from the club.

The only positive words he had to say in his tell-all interview were about Diogo Dalot, his close friend and Portugal colleague.

Ronaldo said of Dalot: “I only can say what I see from my eyes. In Manchester United, I can mention Dalot. An example he is young and very professional.

“I have no doubt he will have longevity in football. He’s young, smart, intelligent and he’s very professional.”

Dalot’s professionalism was worth commending

Ronaldo’s comments struck a nerve at Manchester United at the time. Cristiano Ronaldo’s full year at the club was blighted by unprofessionalism of his teammates.

Ronaldo called out players who failed to match his standards, and you only need to look at his colleagues at the time to understand who he was talking about.

Dalot was the exception. He was largely ignored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and only rescued his career under Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo’s backing went a long way to supporting Dalot’s resurgence. He has retained his place in and around the first team ever since.

Dalot credited Ronaldo with his improvement, telling The Telegraph, “I’ve become a bit more obsessed about being physically and mentally available for every game.”

Now in 2025, Dalot has to add more

Manchester United entered the season planning on starting Amad at right wing-back and Patrick Dorgu on the left. Dalot was no longer first choice.

Ruben Amorim is still a big fan of his countryman, because Dalot has still started seven out of 10 Premier League games this season.

But as we have seen, Dalot has struggled at times this season and been criticised for his performances.

He was called out for ‘ball watching’ after United’s loss to Brentford, and appeared to make another mistake against Nottingham Forest.

Dalot’s lack of sharpness has been concerning, while he also lacks the type of difference-making ability in the final third that a more attacking wing-back like Amad can provide.

In theory there is a place for a more defensive player to balance the system and provide an alternative, but that player has to be reliable and bring high levels.

Dalot might talk a good game, but his ability to deliver it is under serious scrutiny. If he cannot cut out the errors, he will not survive much longer at the club.