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“Healthy competition”- Man United defender explains decision to stay at Old Trafford despite summer transfer links

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Diogo Dalot sets his Manchester United targets for the 2022/23 campaign.

Diogo Dalot claims he wants to fight for a place at Manchester United after summer transfer links

Speaking to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t The Mirror], Diogo Dalot revealed that he wanted to fight for a place at Manchester United despite being linked with a transfer in the summer.

The 22-year-old left Porto in 2018 to join the Red Devils. The youngster was signed by Jose Mourinho and developed under his tutelage in the first season. However, he departed mid-season and the young full-back fell down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Moreover, Dalot also suffered from injuries and could not put up a consistent string of games together. Last season, the right-back went on loan to AC Milan and produced encouraging performances. 

Diogo Dalot went through a two-year injury-hell period at Manchester United. (imago Images)
Diogo Dalot went through a two-year injury-hell period at Manchester United. (imago Images)

He was linked with an exit from United this summer but remained at Old Trafford as a deputy to Aaron wan-Bissaka. The Portuguese international has now opened up on fighting for a place in the squad.

“I wanted to stay here, and the club trusted me to stay here. My mind was completely focused on having an important role in this team.”

Dalot also mentioned his healthy competition in the full-back role with his English compatriot.

“The most beautiful and healthy competition is when there are two or three for each position, and you can learn from each other. I’m sure Aaron learns some things from me when I play, I learn from him. Everyone is going to be a part of it this season.”

Diogo Dalot has revealed that he wants to fight for his place in the Manchester United squad despite being linked with an exit in the summer.
Diogo Dalot has revealed that he wants to fight for his place in the Manchester United squad despite being linked with an exit in the summer. (imago Images)

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Although he remained at Manchester this season, he has suffered for minutes. The former Porto man is yet to start a league game this season, limiting him to off the bench appearances. His two starts have come against West Ham in the EFL Cup and Villarreal in the Champions League.

Regardless, there are a ton of games to play this season. Dalot needs to perform when called upon if he wants to make it into the starting line-up. Still very young, the Portuguese ace could still become a vital player for the club in the coming years.