For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, Manchester United fielded two genuine full-backs against Young Boys on Wednesday night
A resurgent Luke Shaw, returning from the head injury he picked up on international week, continued his excellent start to the season at left-back, while debutant Diogo Dalot impressed on the opposite side of the United defence.
The 19-year-old arrived from Porto in the summer, but has spent most of his early weeks as a United player recovering from an injury. However, handed his first start in the Champions League victory in Bern, Dalot put in a performance which prompted plenty of supporters to wonder if he might keep his place for the league game with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
Speaking ahead of that game, Jose Mourinho has now revealed that although Dalot will not feature against Wolves, he is set to make his home debut in the Carabao Cup meeting with Derby County next Tuesday.
Explaining his decision not to field him on Saturday, Mourinho said he would only call on Dalot to play when “totally fresh” while he adapts to life at his new club.
“I want him, in this process of adaptation, to play totally fresh, so he’s not playing tomorrow,” Mourinho said. “He plays Tuesday again.
“Playing for Manchester United is difficult enough for a kid of 19-years-old, coming from another country and after an important injury and surgery.
“He doesn’t need to face more difficulties. It was a difficult pitch, he recovered totally and on Tuesday he will play again.
“But he showed for the ones that don’t know him very, ver well that he is not a player to be here just on formation, is a player to be here [to fight for] positions – he’s a very good player.”
United’s first choice full-backs over the course of last season were Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, both converted wingers. It’s expected that Valencia will step back into the right-back position with Dalot being rested.
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