He is the only Man united player that Has potential and fighting spirit, I’m hyping just because I have played with him before but because I know the talents He is carrying’: Ronaldo says ONE Man United player will definitely win premier league player of the year if He continues with this current form
Cristiano Ronaldo reassured Rio Ferdinand about Manchester United ace Diogo Dalot’s potential when the latter expressed doubts early on during his stay at Old Trafford.
Dalot, who has been a key player for Erik ten Hag this season, has contributed two goals and three assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. And his impressive performances include a precise cross that led to Scott McTominay’s winning goal against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The 24-year-old joined United from Porto in July 2018 for £19million and has since played 139 games for the club. And he’s now enjoying a stable period in the team despite being sent to AC Milan on loan during the 2020/21 season.
Ferdinand admitted on Vibe with Five he had questioned Dalot’s place in the team, but Ronaldo convinced him of the player’s potential, via the Daily Mirror. The five-time Ballon d’Or-winner left United in 2009 but returned in 2021 for another 18-month spell prior to joining Saudi outfit Al-Nassr
“He is someone I doubted early on. I remember speaking to Cristiano Ronaldo and said, ‘Is he really that good?’ and Cristiano said he will work hard, make himself better and 100% improve,” Ferdinand shared. He also praised Dalot’s work ethic during a conversation with Darren Fletcher at the training ground.
“I still think defensively he probably needs to work a little bit,” Ferdinand continued. “But yesterday [against Aston Villa] I thought he was very good defensively. With the ball, that cross, if we have players running onto them, the forwards will make the runs and we will score more goals.”
Dalot also earned praise from Ten Hag for his performance against Villa. “Everyone gets criticism but he is a fantastic player who is developing very well,” said the Dutchman. “He can play in so many positions and he is improving on crosses. He can score and his defending is improving so I am very pleased with him.”
Dalot has managed to nail down his position in the team at right-back and is now firmly ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order. Wan-Bissaka arrived from Crystal Palace for £50m in 2019 but could be allowed to leave this summer when he will enter the final year of his contract.
United are planning for that eventuality, having already sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong. And they’re far from the only side interested in the Dutchman, who has six goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this season while playing on the right side of Xabi Alonso’s impressive table-topping team.
