Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘looking forward’ to having Diogo Dalot back at Old Trafford next season following a productive loan spell with AC Milan… appearing to rule out permanent Manchester United exit this summer
- Diogo Dalot is enjoying a productive loan spell in Italy right now with AC Milan
- Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said fitness was the aim of Dalot’s loan
- Solskjaer is ‘looking forward to having him back’ at Old Trafford next season
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is ‘looking forward’ to welcoming Diogo Dalot back into Manchester United‘s squad next season in the clearest indication yet the right back will not be sold this summer.
Dalot, 22, fell behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford and having found fitness difficult to come by he was sent to AC Milan on a season-long loan.
The Portuguese defender has enjoyed consistent minutes with Milan, has remained fit and Solskjaer, speaking ahead of facing AC Milan in the Europa League last-16, described it as a ‘good year’ for Dalot.
‘The plan was always for Diogo this season, or the main thing for Diogo, was to be fit,’ Solskjaer said.
‘He never managed to be fit for a long spell when he was here and was unfortunate with injuries.
‘Now he’s kept fit all season; he’s been available for them. He’s playing at a big club, big expectations and a great history, so it’s been a good year for him.
‘So, of course, I’ve been very pleased with his development this season. He’s our player and we’re looking forward to having him back.’
Dalot made the move to Manchester from Porto in 2018 but only managed to make 35 appearances across two seasons.
Things have been different in Italy as he has made 23 appearances for Milan so far this season, scoring twice.
Dalot, guided expertly by boss Stefano Pioli, has started 17 of those 23 games, proving an key figure in Milan’s defence as they push for the Serie A title as well as the Europa League.
United are targeting competition for places at right back for Wan-Bissaka and have been credited with an interest in Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier.
But Dalot’s impressive season in Milan could well alter recruitment plans when he returns to Manchester this summer.
Dalot’s current side, AC Milan, host United at the San Siro on Thursday in the second leg of their last-16 Europa League tie.
Milan hold a narrow advantage after defender Simon Kjaer scored a late header at Old Trafford to hand Pioli’s side a precious away goal.
