Neville Backs Dalot to Stay at United: 'He's Got Something About Him'

Gary Neville has thrown his weight behind Diogo Dalot amid speculation over the Portuguese defender's future at Manchester United, arguing the club would be wise to retain his services.

The Old Trafford legend believes Dalot, who arrived from Porto for £19m back in 2019, deserves another chance to prove himself despite enduring a torrid couple of seasons in the spotlight. Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville acknowledged the harsh treatment the versatile full-back receives from sections of the fanbase but countered that there's genuine quality lurking beneath the surface.

"I actually think there's a half-decent full back in there," Neville explained. "He's good in the air, he's athletic, he's decent on the ball, he can defend his back post. I don't think he's world class—neither was I—but he does a lot of things right."

The former United skipper suggested Dalot could elevate his game further by streamlining his approach and concentrating on the fundamentals. "He could even simplify his game a little and focus on feeding people," Neville noted. "He's started being more aggressive at getting out to players and then getting back in."

Neville reckons the 26-year-old is capable of delivering consistent performances week in, week out. "I think he's got a 7/10 performance in him every week," he said. "If he just played right fullback all the time I wouldn't be getting rid of him in a hurry."

The defender's struggles when deployed as a wing-back have been well documented, with Neville acknowledging those experiments have left him exposed. However, the pundit remains convinced that operating in his natural position could unlock his best form.

United's recent resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick has provided fresh optimism around Old Trafford. The club has claimed victories over both Manchester City and Arsenal since Carrick's arrival earlier this month, following a difficult 14-month spell under Ruben Amorim, who was subsequently dismissed.

Carrick's tactical adjustments have impressed Neville, particularly the return to a 4-2-3-1 shape. "He's definitely instilled a simplicity to it in the last two weeks that I like about it," Neville observed. "That's my favourite system—a talented player playing off a striker, two wide players narrowing in midfield, a back four that's really aggressive. It's been a huge turn."

The improvements in defensive organisation have been particularly striking. "The intensity, the compactness, the aggression of the defending, their willingness to get behind the ball together and be difficult to beat—that's what's changed," Neville explained. "They've got a threat up front too, with talented players who are also getting back and helping their defenders."

United are expected to undergo significant squad surgery over the summer, including the appointment of a permanent manager to replace Amorim. With those changes looming, Neville is adamant that Dalot should remain part of the furniture. "I know that position well," he concluded, "and I think he can do a decent job for Manchester United."