Arsenal

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo intervened when he previously “doubted” Portugal international Diogo Dalot.

The right-back has been one of the main beneficiaries of Erik ten Hag‘s arrival as he has been among their top performers since the Dutchman was appointed before the 2022/23 campaign.

Dalot has dislodged Aaron Wan-Bissaka to become Man Utd‘s first-choice right-back and it was confirmed at the end of last season that he has penned a contract extension until 2028 with the option for a further year.

Despite this, it was revealed on Monday morning by Manchester Evening News that United are still ‘monitoring’ Bayer Leverkusen standout Jeremie Frimpong. 

Arsenal have also been linked with the talented full-back who has emerged as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga. He is available for a relatively low-cost fee as his contract has a £34m release clause.

But according to club legend Gary Neville, Man Utd may not need Frimpong as Dalot could be their “right-back for the future”.

“Dalot is someone that people say he is the right-back of the future for Manchester United, they may have the right-back for the future there,” he said via The Gary Neville podcast.

 Five teams who nearly ruined their seasons with transfer plans, including Man Utd and ‘big value’ player

“He has a lot, he’s six foot, he’s strong, powerful, good on the ball, defends well.

“If he can play in a confident and settled back-four, then he is something to work with.

“Is he the best in the world? No. But does he have the potential to be a top full-back? Yes.”

Ferdinand has also praised Dalot after Ronaldo moved to defend his compatriot earlier in his career.

“Dalot needs a special mention. He is someone I doubted