Diogo Dalot will have a key role to play in the coming weeks, as Manchester United's full-back department has been pared down to the bone.
After a torrid start to the season, the Premier League giants cannot afford another misstep, especially when they host fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.
The two sides will lock horns at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon (17:30 UK time), but the Red Devils will have to negotiate this contest and the following ones with limited options.
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
On Friday, Man Utd head coach Michael Carrick offered mixed injury updates. He revealed that Carlos Baleba, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo are all making important strides in their recovery.
However, he confirmed that Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have picked up injuries during the international break , which will rule them out of action, while Benjamin Sesko could be set for another long spell on the treatment table due to an injury relapse.
"Patrick came off and looks like he'll be out for a number of weeks. Nouss came off and took a knock. He's not quite right, so we'll see how he is," said the 45-year-old in his pre-match press conference via the Manchester Evening News .
"Carlos is improving, has trained a lot, Amad, Kobbie and Marcus have done a little bit of training. Ben is further away with the injury he has, so he won't be ready."
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
With Mazraoui unavailable, Dalot is the only natural first-team option left for Man Utd for the right-back role.
Moreover, the lack of available left-backs could see Dalot moved to the opposite side of the pitch, with Leny Yoro fielded at right-back (he was already tested in that role during pre-season).
Luke Shaw remains United's ultimate option at left-back, but his physical condition has been shaky this season, and many doubt his ability to play twice per week.
Sadly for Carrick, he won't be able to count on Dorgu or Mazraoui to rotate with the experienced Englishman, so switching Dalot to the left side could be his best solution.
Unlike Shaw, Dalot should be able to cope with the packed schedule, and although some of his recent MUFC displays weren't too convincing, he's coming off a positive international break, helping Portugal maintain a perfect record in the UEFA Nations League after winning all of their four fixtures.
The Braga native enjoyed back-to-back influential cameos. Against Denmark, he provided the assist to Joao Felix to secure a 4-2 victory. His second-half introduction versus Norway also paid dividends, as he was involved in the play that culminated in Goncalo Ramos' winner.
Against Erling Haaland and Co, Dalot recorded a passing accuracy of 92.3%, won all of his ground duels and recorded a top speed of 32.6 km/h, thus adding energy, intensity and quality to Portugal's play.
Man Utd fans will be hoping to witness this inspiring version of the Porto academy product at Old Trafford.
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