HE’S GOT DALOT
Jose: New boy best in Europe
JOSE MOURINHO wrapped up his second signing in 24 hours when he landed Diogo Dalot on a five-year deal yesterday.
And Mourinho then labelled Dalot the best young full-back in Europe.
The 19-year-old Porto defender joined in a £17.4m deal, just a day after the arrival of £50m Brazilian midfielder Fred.
It marked a successful first phase of Mourinho’s summer rebuild after he had asked the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to sign the pair before the World Cup starts.
And in Portuguese ace Dalot, the United boss not only believes he has cover for veteran Antonio Valencia but has signed a genuine European star.
Bright
Mourinho said: “In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and he has a bright future ahead of him.
“He is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club.
“He has all the attributes a full-back needs combined with a Porto academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.’’
The arrival of Dalot, who can also play at left-back, will mark the end for Matteo Darmian at Old Trafford.
The Italian, who started just five league games last season, is surplus to requirements and a £10m move to Juventus is in the offing.
With Luke Shaw also struggling to fit
in, Dalot is set to be the first-choice cover for Valencia and England left-back Ashley Young.
Dalot said: “The chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down.
“I’m excited about working with Jose Mourinho and learning everything I can from such a successful coach and looking forward to playing alongside the fantastic players in the squad.”