Diogo Dalot has admitted he wanted the number two shirt when he arrived at Manchester United, only to find it had already been taken.
The defender made the switch to Old Trafford in 2018 from Porto, having been snapped up by former United boss Jose Mourinho. Dalot's first few seasons at the club saw him on the periphery of the squad, with the Portuguese spending last season on loan at AC Milan.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a more prominent member of the side this season though, having impressed while deputising for Aaron Wan-Bissaka earlier this term. Dalot now finds himself in a straight battle with the former Crystal Palace man for the starting slot at right-back with Ralf Rangnick often preferring the Portuguese star.
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Since joining United, Dalot has made 55 appearances in all competitions for the club. All of those outings have come with him donning the number 20 jersey.
The shirt does hold a special place at United, having been previously worn by former manager and legendary striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Robin van Persie also donned it after making the move from Arsenal.
Dalot though has admitted it wasn't his first choice, having instead favoured the traditional No.2 for right-backs. He was though denied in his wish, with Victor Lindelof having taken the number after joining in 2017. the previous summer.
Asked about his favourite squad number during a Q&A on the club's website, Dalot responded: "When I came to the club, I gave a straight answer to the reporter. I think he asked me the same question.
"My favourite is always the number two which, at the time and now, it's being worn by Victor. So it was not available at the time and it's still not. Then I was turning 20 years in that year, so number 20 sounded good for me as well.
"Seeing the legends who had worn the number as well, it's been a good number. I like it so hopefully it can bring me luck as well as it did for Robin and Ole."
Dalot has earned praise for his performances in recent weeks from Rangnick. The United interim boss was left impressed after the Portuguese filled in at right-back with Wan-Bissaka out through injury and illness.
"He's offensively one of the best full-backs we could have," Rangnick told MUTV about Dalot. "He still has space for improvement in his defensive actions, one-on-one duels, anticipating and closing the gaps between himself and his team-mates.
"There is still space for improvement but he's still a player who can develop and learn. So far, in the last couple of games, he did well and I was happy with his performances."
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