Michael Carrick has made clear his intention to retain Diogo Dalot at Manchester United, resisting pressure from Jose Mourinho who is preparing to take the helm at Real Madrid for a second spell. The Portuguese tactician, currently managing Benfica, is keen to bolster his defensive options at the Bernabéu and has identified the versatile full-back as a potential replacement for departing right-back Dani Carvajal.
Mourinho's admiration for Dalot dates back years. When managing Manchester United, the Special One praised the then-teenager's potential, comparing his trajectory to that of Gary Neville. "Probably he can follow Neville in this dynamic of more than 10 years as United's right-back," Mourinho stated in December 2018, highlighting his long-standing belief in the player's capabilities. Since then, Dalot has blossomed into one of the Premier League's elite right-backs, adding tactical flexibility by operating effectively on both flanks while representing Portugal internationally.
Carrick's Commitment to Dalot
Carrick, positioned to become Manchester United's permanent manager, views Dalot as a cornerstone of his project moving forward. The 27-year-old defender's form and reliability have made him integral to the club's defensive structure, and Carrick's reluctance to lose him underscores the player's importance to United's future plans. With Madrid also pursuing Trent Alexander-Arnold as their primary right-back option following the Liverpool transfer in summer 2025, Mourinho views Dalot as competition-ready cover.
The situation reflects the ongoing battle between elite European clubs for top-tier defensive talent. While Mourinho's Madrid project represents significant appeal, Carrick's determination to build something substantial at Old Trafford suggests Dalot's immediate future remains in Manchester, barring any dramatic shift in circumstances at either club.
