Dalot recognised on shortlist
DIOGO Dalot has been one of the only positives to come out of United’s recent slump, and the defender has received a boost by being named on the latest 40-man shortlist for the Golden Boy award.
The prestigious honour recognises the best young talent in Europe, and the defender has made the latest list after it was cut from 60.
Dalot signed for United in the summer but had to wait for his debut after arriving with an injury.
The 19-year-old started against Young Boys in the Champions League and Derby County in the Carabao Cup, impressing with his physicality and crossing ability.
His ball for Marouane Fellaini briefly rescued United in the final minute of stoppage time against Derby, but they went on to lose on penalties.
The Portuguese under-21 international was included on the list for his impressive performances at Porto earlier in the year. Dalot performed well during his breakthrough into the Portuguese side’s first team and appeared eight times before his season was cut short by injury.
The United right-back is likely to be an outsider for the award which is contested by players under the age of 21 and who play in a European nation’s top tier.
Kylian Mbappe is the overwhelming favourite after he capped another memorable year with a World Cup winner’s medal.
Three United players have won the award – Wayne Rooney in 2004, Anderson in 2008 and Anthony Martial in 2016.