Dalot ready for the spotlight
Many of the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford tonight (Tuesday) will get a first sighting of Diogo Dalot in the flesh as the right-back prepares to face Derby County in the Carabao Cup third round.
The summer recruit from Porto has played at the ground for the Under-23s, in order to build his fitness after knee surgery, and, of course, enjoyed an impressive senior debut in the Champions League triumph against Young Boys.
Jose Mourinho has already revealed the youngster will start against the Rams and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the Championship side.
”I’m looking forward to playing at Old Trafford, with our fans, and hopefully having a great game and helping the team to win,” he told MUTV. “It was good [playing there for the Under-23s].
"Like I’ve said many times, it was a dream to play in that stadium and now to see how the atmosphere is with a full stadium, hopefully. I think it will be great.
The Carabao Cup final – on Sunday 24 February 2019 – may seem a long way off, and it is obviously far too early to think about going all the way in a tough competition. However, Jose's record in it (he has won it four times) and the fact United lifted the trophy in 2017 does give cause for optimism that there is the potential for another strong showing.
Any prospect of running out in the red shirt at Wembley forms part of what Dalot has dreamed about since starting his career in his native Portugal. The Reds have been regular visitors to the famous venue and will look to start another fine run there after seven successive victories in cup and Community Shield games came to an end with the 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final earlier this year.
"It’s like playing at Old Trafford, playing at Wembley and every other stadium in England," he said. "It’s huge and a dream come true to be playing in this country, so it would be really good."
Early team news for Derby tie
ArticleJose Mourinho has provided an update on his squad’s fitness for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie.
Watch the Liam Miller match for free
ArticleFans can watch Tuesday’s tribute match for free, as United legends come together to honour their former team-mate.
United v Derby: The essential info
ArticleEverything you need to know ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup tie at Old Trafford.
'Derby have Premier League potential'
ArticleUnited keeper Lee Grant knows what his former side are capable of in tonight's Carabao Cup tie.