Diogo Dalot has secured a much-improved role at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag. Even though he arrived at the club way back in 1999, the Portuguese defender has only become a prominent member of the squad four seasons later.
He’s been able to pip Aaron Wan-Bissaka to the permanent right-back role, starting way more games in that position than the Englishman. As of late, Dalot has made use of his versatility by also slotting in as a left-back for the Red Devils – due to a shortage of options in that position.
Dalot scored his debut Premier League goal for United earlier this month, with a well-taken strike against Nottingham Forest. The Portuguese star also helped his side get to the FA Cup final with a gritty win over Brighton in the semis, in which he scored in a penalty shootout.
He’s a really passionate player who loves celebrating moments with the fans and has been really respectful of the club’s history as well – boasting a surprising amount of knowledge about United’s past.
Well ahead of the FA Cup semi-final, Dalot featured in one of Classic Football Shirts’ shows where they make footballers try out retro kits of the teams that they play for. There is an elusive fan club for retro kits, with some fans in particular liking to wear older kits over modern ones.
Dalot decided to wear the home kit of United’s memorable 1998/99 season – when they won the European treble under Sir Alex Ferguson. Their kit was manufactured by UK-based company Umbro at that time and Japanese brand Sharp was their major sponsor too.
The kit had a slick white collar design around it with nice little black stripes around he shoulder area as well. Dalot wore the FA Cup final model of the 98/99 home kit and revealed the reason behind choosing that, saying: “Probably one of my favorite United shirts. I think it’s special as it has to bring me the energy to be in the FA Cup final. I hope this gives me the energy to be in the FA Cup final.” Well, Dalot was at least able to achieve his task of being in the FA Cup final!
The FA Cup final edition of the Manchester United 98/99 home kit is difficult to find, as it’s a bit of a rare collector’s item. However, fans who are interested can purchase the base model of the 99 home shirt – which costs around £55. That is lower than the price of the current kits that United wear.
Dalot appears to know quite a lot about United’s history and wants to help them replicate the FA Cup final success this time around as well after having won the Carabao Cup final this season. However, it won’t be an easy task at all – with the Red Devils facing a seemingly unstoppable Manchester City side in a first-ever Manchester Derby to take place in the FA Cup final.
This could also be United’s only chance at denying City a possible treble if the Citizens clinch the Premier League title and make the Champions League final by then.
The Red Devils are extremely prideful of being the only English club to have won a European treble and will want to keep that record intact by defeating their arch-rivals and ending Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge with two domestic trophies.
