He is the only Man united player that Has potential and fighting spirit, I’m hyping just because I have played with him before but because I know the talents He is carrying’: Ronaldo says ONE Man United player will definitely win premier league player of the year if He continues with this current form

When Rio Ferdinand first voiced concerns about Manchester United star Diogo Dalot’s potential early in his tenure at Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo reassured him.

Dalot, a vital member of Erik ten Hag’s squad this year, has made 32 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and three assists. Additionally, he put on an outstanding display on Sunday against Aston Villa, setting up Scott McTominay for the game-winning goal with a well-placed cross.

After paying £19 million to join United from Porto in July 2018, the 24-year-old has appeared in 139 games for the team. And despite being sent to AC Milan on loan during the 2020–21 season, he is currently experiencing a stable period in the team.

According to the Daily Mirror, Ferdinand acknowledged on Vibe with Five that he had doubted Dalot’s position on the team until Ronaldo persuaded him of the player’s potential. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left United in 2009 but came back in 2021 for an additional 18 months before signing with Al-Nassr, a Saudi team.

“I had early doubts about him. When I asked Cristiano Ronaldo if he was truly that good, he responded, “I will work hard, make myself better, and 100% improve,” Ferdinand recalled. He complimented Dalot’s work ethic even more when they spoke with Darren Fletcher at the practice field.

Ferdinand went on, “I still think he probably needs to work a little bit defensively.” However, I thought he played excellent defense yesterday [against Aston Villa]. If we have players running onto the ball when it crosses, the forwards will make the runs and we will score more goals.

Ten Hag also praised Dalot for his performance against Villa. The Dutchman remarked, “Everyone gets criticism, but he is a fantastic player who is developing very well.” He is getting better at crosses and is a versatile player. He can score, and I’m happy with his defense, which is getting better.

Dalot is now firmly ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the team’s pecking order after managing to establish his position at right-back. Wan-Bissaka, who cost £50 million when he moved from Crystal Palace in 2019, may be free to depart this summer as he approaches the end of his contract.

United has already sent scouts to watch Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong in order to prepare for that possibility. The Dutchman, who plays on the right side of Xabi Alonso’s formidable table-topping team in the Bundesliga this season with six goals and six assists, is being pursued by a number of teams.