Diogo Dalot, right-back for Manchester United and the Portuguese national team, took part in the Premier League's "Masterclass," presented by former Red Devils footballer Owen Hargreaves.
Playing on the left flank as a right-footed player brings unique challenges and advantages, something I have learned to adapt to over time.
When you play on the left, especially as a natural right-footer, you eventually find yourself cutting inside onto your dominant foot, which gives you a crucial edge when driving forward with the ball under control. It allows you to keep the ball closer to your stronger foot while making decisions in attacking situations, whether it's shooting, passing, or linking up with teammates. However, it’s a different dynamic compared to playing on your natural flank. When you're on the right side, cutting inside onto your weaker foot can feel less natural, even if you've worked on your weaker side for years. There is always a slight difference in precision and control, which is why the ability to play comfortably on both flanks is an important skill for any modern full-back or winger.
Understanding the tactical demands of a winger is crucial, particularly when it comes to movement and decision-making. As a winger, you have to be more proactive in reading the game because once the ball reaches your feet, you need to anticipate your next move instantly. You always want to feel where the opposing full-back is, using body positioning and small movements to gain an advantage. Normally, we wingers don’t appreciate it when full-backs become too aggressive in their approach, as it can disrupt the flow of play and break attacking momentum. That’s why I always try to keep the defender guessing sometimes making them think I will stay in place before reacting in the final moment to create space or win the ball.
The dynamic between full-backs and wingers is also something that requires a lot of understanding. One of the biggest frustrations as a full-back is when you make an overlapping run, sprinting 60 or 70 meters at full speed, and then the winger decides not to pass the ball to you. It happens more often than people realize, and it can be exhausting. From a tactical standpoint, making overlapping runs isn't just about receiving the ball it’s about dragging defenders out of position and creating space for the winger. That’s why it’s always appreciated when wingers recognize and reward those runs because, in many cases, full-backs are the ones who must track back immediately if possession is lost. It’s a physically demanding role that requires constant awareness, decision-making, and stamina.
Playing under Rúben Amorim has given me a new perspective on attacking movements, particularly in how we organize our final third play. The coach insists that whenever we reach the attacking phase, we must have at least four players inside the box ready to finish the move. This means that both wing-backs must be involved in the attack, in addition to the central striker and the two attacking midfielders. This attacking mindset requires full commitment, as it places heavy demands on wing-backs to contribute both offensively and defensively. But that’s how modern football works the game is faster, transitions are quicker, and you have to be adaptable in every situation.
I truly hope Rúben Amorim stays at the club for a long time because I believe he can build something special here. He has a strong tactical vision, and he understands how to bring the best out of his players. If he is given time and the right support, I am certain that we can build a winning history under him, with trophies and success. One thing I know for sure is that this club will return to winning ways whether that happens now or in the future, I am 100% certain.
Arriving at Manchester United was an experience unlike any other, and I don’t think it’s something you can prepare for in advance. There is no guidebook or training that can fully prepare a player for the reality of stepping into such a massive club. The moment you arrive, you feel the weight of the badge, the expectations from the fans, the pressure from the media, and the competitiveness within the squad. It’s a shock to the system in every possible way both positive and negative. It takes time to adjust and find that balance between handling the pressure and maintaining your confidence. The highs at this club are incredible, but the lows can be just as intense. You have to develop a strong mentality to survive in an environment like this.
Looking back, spending seven seasons at Manchester United is something that makes me incredibly proud. It took me four years before I could establish myself as a regular and consistent player in this team, and that journey was far from easy. I had to prove myself every day, fight for my place, and adapt to different managers, tactics, and challenges. But now, having spent seven seasons here, I look at my time at the club with immense pride. The development I’ve gone through, the experience I’ve gained, and the lessons I’ve learned have all shaped me into the player and person I am today.
At the end of my career, it won’t just be about how many trophies I’ve won or whether people liked me or not. What will matter most to me is the feeling of knowing that I played for Manchester United for all these years. That’s not something many players can say, and it’s not an experience that just anyone gets to have. Wearing this shirt, representing this club, and playing at Old Trafford is a privilege. It’s something that stays with you forever.
