Diogo Dalot could well play himself back into the Manchester United setup if he enjoys a successful European Champion campaign with Portugal.
The past few months have been very prosperous for United’s young full-back, which may improve even further permitted his Euros adventure goes to plan.
Dalot moved to Old Trafford in 2018 from Porto for £19m (Sky Sports) but never truly established himself as a regular in the side.
He joined AC Milan last October on loan, where the 22-year-old was able to gain some invaluable minutes and demonstrate his talents.
Stefano Pioli used the defender 34 times across all competitions as Milan finished second in Serie A.
Following his encouraging domestic season, Dalot embarked on the Under-21 European Championships with Portugal.
Although he was a beaten finalist, the United loanee started every game and picked up more valuable experience.
His displays with the youth team earned him a call-up to the Portuguese seniors ahead of their Euros mission, in place of Joao Cancelo, who tested positive for covid.
Cancelo was set to play a crucial role for the current European champions, which could leave the door wide open for Dalot to step into.
The Dalot dilemma
If he shines during the competition, then United should seriously consider bringing him back to Manchester for the 2021/22 term.
Up until this point, there was a sense his switch from Porto to the Premier League came too soon.
But now with Italian experience on his CV, plus potential action with his national colleges, the time might be right to give Dalot a second chance.
It would certainly hand Aaron Wan-Bissaka some healthy competition for the right-back slot.
Ever since he signed from Crystal Palace two years ago, Wan-Bissakka has made the position his own.
Partly because he’s never had much in the way of opposition for it.
With Dalot possibly pushing for selection, the young full-back might improve even further and even enter into contention for an England call-up.
The effect Alex Telles’ arrival had on Luke Shaw should be a prime example of what positive rivalry can do for a player.
Sky Italia reported that Milan want to re-sign Dalot, so United will have to act fast if they are to give him another crack under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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