Dalot's here to fight for a position

The boss feels his teenage summer signing did more than enough in Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League win in Switzerland to prove he’s ready to provide competition at right-back this season.

Mourinho confirmed his fellow countryman won’t feature in Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford as he is being saved for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Derby County.

“I want him in this process of adaptation,” Jose told reporters. “I want him to play totally fresh, so he's not playing [against Wolves]. He plays again on Tuesday. 

“To play for Manchester United is difficult enough for a kid who is 19 years old, coming from another country and after an important injury and surgery. He doesn't need to face more difficulties because of an accumulation of matches.

“So he played 90 minutes in the Champions League on a difficult pitch, recovered totally and on Tuesday he plays again. 

“But I think he showed to those who didn't know him very well that he's not a player to be here just for rotation; he's a player to be here for competition, for positions. He's a very good player.”

‘I’M HUNGRY FOR MORE’

Dalot joined United in the summer from Porto but has had to be patient for his first senior chance after picking up a knee injury, which denied him any game-time in pre-season.

The youngster made two outings for the Under-23s at Old Trafford before being named in Mourinho’s squad for the trip to Switzerland, and he produced a dynamic performance in the victory at Stade de Suisse.

"I was happy to make my debut, especially in the Champions League," he told MUTV after the game. “I wanted to play and my team-mates helped me to feel comfortable.

“Competition is good for the team and it’s what every player likes, so hopefully I’ve given the coach a difficult decision. I’m ready and hungry for more.”