Man Utd learn if Dalot is eligible to play against them in Europa League

Diogo Dalot will be available to play against his parent club when Manchester United and AC Milan go head-to-head in the Europa League.

United and Milan have been drawn against each other in the standout tie for the Round of 16. Both clubs are historically of Champions League pedigree.

The match will mark the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford, where he scored 29 goals in 53 appearances between 2016 and 2018.

Ibrahimovic is currently in his second spell with Milan, for whom he has netted 14 times in 13 Serie A appearances this season.

He is not the only Milan player who could be lining up against his old club next month. Dalot is also among the Rossoneri ranks – although there had been some confusion over whether or not he will be eligible.

Dalot’s transfer from Man Utd to Milan in the summer was simply a loan deal. If it had been in the Premier League, for example, he would be ineligible to play against his parent club.

The rules are different in certain European competitions, and a report from Manchester Evening News has now clarified the situation.

The MEN reveal that there is no clause in Dalot’s contract forbidding him from playing against United. Therefore, if Milan coach Stefano Pioli wants to select him, he will be able to.

Chelsea v Man Utd Match Preview, February 28, 2021

Chelsea v Man Utd Match Preview, February 28, 2021

A look ahead to the Premier League game between Chelsea and Man Utd, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.

The first leg of the Round of 16 tie will take place at Old Trafford on March 11th. The return fixture at San Siro occurs one week later.

Dalot can play in either of those games, as he will look to continue his run of games in the Europa League.

The full-back has not played as much as he would have liked in Serie A. However, in Europe, he has started seven of a possible eight games so far, coming on as a substitute in the other.

Dalot future unclear

Diogo Dalot TEAMtalk

As for what the future holds for Dalot beyond this season, there are still several questions.

Given that he has only started five Serie A games, Milan may have some doubts about buying him permanently.

United did not have much room for him in his previous two seasons at Old Trafford either. But he remains under contract there until 2023, with the option of an extra year.

A recent report provided the latest on Dalot’s situation.

Read the full story here…