‘Matter of time’ before Man Utd squad man comes good, says familiar face

Diogo Dalot believes Bruno Fernandes can continue to be a “great reference” for Manchester United and backed Alex Telles to increase his own impact at the club.

Dalot was recently back in Manchester to face his parent club in the Europa League with AC Milan. The full-back is on loan with the Serie A club for the 2020-21 season after struggling for regular gametime at Old Trafford.

The situation has been quite the opposite for fellow Portugal international Fernandes, who has established himself as United’s most important player since joining them in January 2020.

Fernandes leads the way in terms of both goals and assists for United this season. He has directly contributed to 26 Premier League goals in total.

Dalot spent six months in the same squad as Fernandes before heading for Milan. And the defender is pleased to see the impact his compatriot is making.

“It was fantastic to be able to meet Bruno after his success in Portugal,” Dalot told O Jogo (via Sport Witness).

“I think we created a special connection in a short time and we still maintain that connection today.

“It was, without a doubt, excellent for him to have taken this step; I’m happy to have been present at that moment. I just want the best for Bruno, I wish him the greatest success in the world.

Mark Bosnich gushes over Bruno Fernandes

Mark Bosnich gushes over Bruno Fernandes

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich believes Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best signing any club has made for the last 12 months.

“I think it’s also a little bit the issue of the club where he plays. Manchester United’s dimension is out of the ordinary; Manchester is ultra-dimensional, it involves the whole world.

“Having that impact in such a short time was the key to the dimension that he’s having and that he undoubtedly deserves to have.

“He’s one of United’s great references and I hope that one day he’ll be a great reference for the club. He has everything to be.”


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Dalot backs Telles

Another player among the United ranks that Dalot knows well is Alex Telles. The pair spent time in the same squad at FC Porto.

Telles joined United in October, one day after Dalot’s move to Milan was confirmed.

However, the left-back has struggled for gametime since his Premier League transfer. Telles has been frozen out of the team due to injuries and the form of Luke Shaw.

Remaining under contract until 2024, Telles has been tipped to improve his output by former teammate Dalot.

“I have no doubts about Alex’s quality. It’s more than enough to play for United,” Dalot said. “I believe it was a very good step in his career, and it was deserved.

“I think it’s a matter of time. He’s a player who does not give up easily.

“Shaw is having a fantastic season; Alex has had opportunities and grabs them when he has them, makes good games. The conscience has to be calm.

“Speaking from experience, I know that adaptation is necessary and I have no doubt that when he’s fully adapted and at his best playing level, he’ll get what he deserves at United.”

READ MORE: Man Utd urged to keep Dalot