Diogo Dalot still determined to help Man Utd return to the top

The Portuguese defender joined United from FC Porto as a teenager in 2018 and is now the club's second-longest-serving player behind Luke Shaw.

He is expected to reach 250 appearances for United when City visit Old Trafford on Sunday, providing him with a detailed perspective on the rivalry.

Dalot, born in Braga in March 1999, grew up accustomed to United's dominance during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. He was only 14 when United last won the Premier League title, but City have since collected five league championships, three FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and the Champions League.

United have managed just the 2023 Carabao Cup and 2024 FA Cup, which came against City. Dalot has experienced five permanent managers and eight in total, alongside extensive squad turnover and expensive signings that failed to deliver, highlighting the upheaval that has hindered United's progress.

"I'm not going to say that it's not been painful because it has been," he told ESPN, when asked about watching Man City's success. "There were seasons where we couldn't even compete against them. It's painful to say."

"I want to be a part of the team that puts Man United back on top because that's what I've watched from this club growing up," Dalot continued.

"They were winning, competing, having the best players in the world, and I want to be a part of it." 

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