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Manchester United complete signing of Dalot from Porto
LONDON, June 6, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot became
Manchester United’s second major signing in two days the English giants
announced on Wednesday after securing a 22 million euro (o19 million) move
from Porto.
Dalot, 19, has signed “a five-year contract, with an option to extend for
a further year”, United said in a statement.
Brazilian international midfielder Fred joined United from Shakhtar
Donetsk for a reported fee of just over o50 million on Tuesday. United are
aiming to close the gap on Manchester City, who won the Premier League by a
record 19 points from their local rivals.
Despite only making his senior Porto debut in February, Dalot has been
hailed by United manager Jose Mourinho, who made his name as a coach with
Porto, as the best full-back in Europe of his age.
“Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to
quickly become a great player for this club,” Mourinho said in United’s
statement.
“He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical
intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto Academy mentality
which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.
“In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and we all believe
he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.”
Dalot’s best position is at right-back, although he has at times deputised
at left-back, including in a 0-0 draw away to Liverpool in the second leg of
the Portuguese champions’ Champions League last 16 tie in March.
Full-back has been a problem position for United with Mourinho using
converted wingers Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, both 32, as regulars in
his defence over the past year.
“Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me,” said
Dalot. “The chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I
just couldn’t turn down.
“I’m excited about working with Jose Mourinho and learning everything I
can from such a successful coach. I am looking forward to playing alongside
the fantastic players in the squad.”
BSS/AFP/ARS/2002 hrs