TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand says his former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo believed that Diogo Dalot would realise his potential.

The fullback has come into his own since being given more first-team opportunities by manager Erik ten Hag. Ferdinand claims he was originally unconvinced about the player but he feels Ronaldo has been proven right in his opinion of the defender:

“Do you know what I said about Dalot before? I don’t know what he is, I don’t know if he is going to be.”

“I remember Cristiano telling me, ‘Rio, this boy will be a good player. Trust me. He works hard. He has got a good attitude, good attributes.” He was right. He has been really good.”

Dalot is now a regular starter for United

It wasn’t long ago that the 24-year-old was loaned out to AC Milan for a whole season, with many questioning his long-term future at Old Trafford.

However, after ten Hag’s arrival in 2022, Dalot quickly became a firm favourite of the Dutchman’s, playing regularly ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right-hand side of defence.

The fullback’s adaptability makes him a great player to have in the squad

With Dalot just as comfortable playing at left-back as he is on the right flank, it means ten Hag has been able to deploy him in multiple positions.

That has proven particularly useful this season with United having gone through a major injury crisis. While 29 of his 38 appearances have been as a right-back, he has played out of position in 9 other matches.

Wan-Bissaka’s fitness problems have certainly helped Dalot maintain his position in the starting eleven, but he has gradually become one of the United’s most consistent performers. He is about to hit the prime of his career so he could yet improve further in the future.