Dalot training with United for the first time
Jose Mourinho has revealed Diogo Dalot has begun training with Manchester United’s squad this week, which could indicate the summer signing is edging closer to a first-team debut.
The Portuguese full-back joined Porto in June and travelled to the USA for the pre-season tour last month but he is yet to appear in the red shirt, having undergone an operation before he signed for the club.
However, Mourinho provided an update on the 19-year-old’s condition at his press conference on Friday, as well as discussing his other injured players ahead of Monday’s Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.
Dalot listed among Europe's best youngsters
ArticleHave you voted yet? Diogo and two other Reds are up for the Golden Ball award, given to Europe's best U21 player.
Nemanja Matic, Antonio Valencia and Alexis Sanchez have all returned to training; the former two are yet to play so far this season, while the latter missed last week’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion with a slight problem.
Asked if any of those players would be available to face Spurs, Jose replied: "I don't know because today is still Friday and we are training on Saturday and Sunday, and the match is on Monday.
“Decisions to be made on Sunday but yes, they are training with the team. Dalot is also training with the team for the first time this week, so in terms of the medical department, they are almost free."
Your essential guide to Monday's game
ArticleGet set for the Spurs clash at Old Trafford with our comprehensive match preview.
In his exclusive interview with MUTV, Mourinho was asked if it was frustrating to have to wait until Monday night to respond to last weekend’s setback at the Amex Stadium.
“You can look at two different perspectives,” said the manager, who is also currently without Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero.
“On one side, I would say yes, but on another side I would say we need time to work, we need time to try to recover some players from injury, so it’s not bad for us.”