Man United defensive ace told to return to club after loan spell amid interest from Italy

Diogo Dalot to return to Manchester United despite AC Milan interest

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have instructed Diogo Dalot to return to the club this summer, despite strong interest from AC Milan.

The full-back spent the 2020/21 season on loan at the San Siro. He made 33 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring twice and laying on three assists as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Milan are keen to sign Dalot on another season-long loan with an option to buy. United, however, have no intention of negotiating for the Portuguese and have informed him to report for pre-season training next month.

United’s move could have something to do with their efforts to bring in Kieran Trippier this summer. The Red Devils are keen on the Atletico Madrid star but could be priced out of a move. Whether this means they will go into the new campaign with Dalot in their plans remains to be seen.

Dalot stayed in touch with United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and members of his backroom staff throughout his loan spell with Milan. He even started against United at Old Trafford in the Europa League Round-of-16 first leg tie in March.

According to the report, sources close to the player revealed that he loves the club and will not demand a transfer. Dalot is still open to re-signing for Milan and mindful his situation could change in the coming weeks.

Dalot’s contract runs until 2023 and he has so far shown little to suggest that he could be an impactful player for the club. With the Red Devils keen to bring in a defender and Jadon Sancho, it remains to be seen if they will pull the plug on a move for Trippier.

If that is the case we can do worse than keep faith in Dalot. After all the youngster is at best the second choice behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

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Dalot was called up to Portugal’s European Championship squad after Joao Cancelo tested positive for Covid-19. Whether he gets to play for the defending champions remains to be seen.