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Ivory CoastDiogo Dalot Wants to Put Manchester United Back on Top
Diogo Dalot hopes a win against Manchester City can spark United's season as he aims to bring major trophies back to Old Trafford.
The Pain of Rival Success
Diogo Dalot has spent eight years at Manchester United. During that time, watching rivals Manchester City dominate has not been easy. Dalot admitted that watching City win five Premier League titles and a Champions League since he arrived from FC Porto in 2018 has been hard.
"I'm not going to say that it's not been painful because it has been," Dalot said. While he won the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, he wants more. He was only 14 when United last won the league. He wants to be part of the team that puts the club back where they belong.
Dealing with Pressure and Changes
If Dalot plays on Sunday against City, it will be his 250th appearance for United. He is now the second longest serving player at the club behind Luke Shaw. He has seen massive changes during his time at Old Trafford, playing under five permanent managers, or eight if you count interim coaches.
Dalot struggled early on under Jose Mourinho and was loaned to AC Milan under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This season, United's defense has faced criticism after letting in six goals against Hull City, Ipswich Town and Everton. Dalot now sees it as his job to help younger players handle the massive pressure.
A Season-Defining Derby
United have had a slow start to the season, taking just four points from three games. But Dalot knows how quickly things can turn around. Last season, a derby win in January under Michael Carrick, who took over after Ruben Amorim was removed as head coach, helped United push for Champions League qualification.
Dalot believes derby matches can spark a winning run. Fans often tell him that beating City or Liverpool is the most important thing. However, his ultimate goal is to win the biggest trophies before United's 150th anniversary rebuild target in 2028.
What it means for the next game
Manchester United vs Manchester City (Premier League, Sun, 13 Sep): Manchester United win 32%, draw 25%, Manchester City win 43%; expected goals 1.45 to 1.71. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.
Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion (Carabao Cup, Wed, 16 Sep): Manchester United win 51%, draw 23%, Brighton & Hove Albion win 26%; expected goals 1.98 to 1.36. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.
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