Patrice Evra calls Manchester United’s ‘most consistent player’, impressed by his energy

Nor did he respond to Kobbie Mainoo, the teenager who took English football by storm. Nor Andre Onana, increasingly heroic in 2024 and in charge of preservation Magpies away when United were under the cosh.

No, Garnacho was talking about Diogo Dalot.

Manchester United legend welcomes Diogo Dalot

Lined up at left-back against Newcastle, Dalot’s versatility came in very handy once again for Erik ten Hag’s injury-hit side.

And Patrice Evra, United’s best left-back since Dennis Irwin and arguably the best of the 21st century, stops short of labeling Dalot the club’s Player of the Season. But he believes the £19m signing from FC Porto is the club’s Mr Consistent; delivering steady performances week after week, sometimes with something a little spectacular thrown in for good measure.

“For me, Diogo Dalot is a player with great consistency,” Evra, who won the Champions League under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2008, tells O Jogo. “What I love most about watching him play is the energy he puts on the court. He always wants to get on the field and never gives up.

“And that’s why, in my opinion, he’s been Manchester United’s most consistent player this season.”

Dalot showed real signs of progress during Ten Hag’s first season in charge and has continued to do so in 2023/24, even as many of his colleagues have struggled. Christian Eriksen believes Dalot is the best manager in United’s squad and all those hours at the Carrington pitches have certainly paid off.

The Portuguese international can only improve further in terms of his end product. But five assists is more than double his tally from 2022/23.

“Even in games where the team didn’t do so well, he always showed his quality,” added Evra. “He has incredible physical strength and is not afraid to take on (meeting forwards) one-on-one or even in two-on-one situations. Always accept the challenge.

“For me, those are the fundamental characteristics that a full-back should have. In addition, Diogo is a very good person and a humble boy.”

Old Trafford untouchable

According to The Mirror, just ten players are “guaranteed” to stay at Old Trafford this summer, with Ineos planning big changes and a substantial release. Dalot is reportedly one of the chosen few, alongside Onana, Fernandes, Mainoo and Garnacho, as well as Lisandro Martinez, Rasmus Hojlund, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Willy Kambwala.

“Everyone gets criticism but he’s a fantastic player who’s developing really well,” Ten Hag smiled after that 2-1 win at Aston Villa in February, Dalot grabbing Scott McTominay’s late winner with a superb cross from the right.

“He can play in so many positions and he’s getting better at centre. He can score and his defense is getting better, so I’m really happy with him.”

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