Gary Neville Defends Diogo Dalot Amid Manchester United Exit Rumours
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has issued a strong plea to his old club, urging them not to sell defender Diogo Dalot during the upcoming summer transfer window. Neville believes the Portuguese full-back, originally signed by Jose Mourinho for £19 million in 2019, still has much to offer at Old Trafford.
Neville's Firm Stance on Dalot's Future
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville was keen to highlight Dalot's qualities, despite acknowledging the player's inconsistent performances over recent seasons. 'Another player I want to mention is Diogo Dalot,' Neville stated. 'Look, he gets a really harsh view at times off quite a few United fans. I actually think there's a half-decent full back in there.'
Neville, who knows the right-back position intimately from his own playing days, elaborated on Dalot's attributes: 'He's good in the air, he's athletic, he's decent on the ball, he can defend his back post. I don't think he's a world class full back but neither was I. He does a lot of things and he could even simplify his game a little and focus on feeding people.'
Dalot's Rollercoaster United Career
Mourinho famously declared United had secured 'the best young full-back in Europe' when Dalot arrived from Porto seven years ago. Since then, the 26-year-old has made over 200 appearances across all competitions, becoming a familiar figure in the side. However, his journey has not been without criticism.
Club legends, including former captain Roy Keane, have been among his detractors at times. Dalot's role became particularly uncertain under former manager Ruben Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system, where he often seemed ill-suited to the wing-back position.
Recent Resurgence Under New Management
The sacking of Amorim appears to have benefited Dalot, among other United players. Reverting to a more traditional full-back role, he contributed to a clean sheet in the recent derby victory over Manchester City. He followed this up with another solid performance in Sunday's dramatic 3-2 win at Arsenal, a result that ended the Gunners' unbeaten home record.
Neville pointed to this improved defensive cohesion: 'He's started being more aggressive at getting out to players and then getting back in. The defenders in general are really getting that connection in the last two games.'
A Call for Patience and Simplicity
While some fans and pundits have called for Dalot to be replaced, Neville advocates for patience and a simplified role. 'I think he's got something about him, Dalot, I think he's got a 7/10 performance in him every week,' he argued. 'But we've seen him at right and left wing back before and he's been exposed so many times. If he just played right fullback all the time I wouldn't be getting rid of him in a hurry.'
Neville concluded with a clear message to the United hierarchy: 'Other people may disagree with me but I know that position well and I think he can do a decent job for Manchester United.' His comments come as manager Michael Carrick prepares his side to face Fulham this weekend, aiming for a third consecutive victory.
