Jose Mourinho could look to reunite with Diogo Dalot as he seeks to bolster his defensive ranks at Roma.
The Special One is into his second season at the Stadio Olympico having claimed European success in his first year. During his tenure in Rome the Portuguese coach has worked with several players he had at Manchester United - Chris Smalling and Henrikh Mkhitaryan among them.
Now he is eyeing another in the form of Dalot, according to Corriere dello Sport, who was signed in Mourinho's final summer in charge. He had little chance to work with the young right-back as he was shown the door just months later - and the former Porto youngster has endured a mixed time since.
Dalot's contract at Old Trafford has just one year to run, although the Red Devils do have the option of a further year. That said, new boss Erik ten Hag was keen to bring in a new right-back in the summer. So far he has opted for Dalot in that area, who has usurped Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but could still pursue a new option.
Mourinho clearly has faith in Dalot, whom he backed for big things when he signed him back in 2018. The Special One said: "That kid, he is fantastic, fantastic. He is the best full-back in Europe in his age group, and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United."
Dalot has previously spent a year away on loan at AC Milan, but turned down the opportunity to leave Manchester. He said: "Milan are a great club and I loved the season with the Rossoneri, but it (transfer) wasn’t just up to me. In the end I decided to stay at United and it was the right decision.
"If I’m a better defender I owe it to Milan. Italian football is different from the Premier League and I had to adapt in just one year and playing in Serie A has helped me a lot. Over the past two years here in Manchester, the minutes have increased and, consequently, so has self-esteem."
Dalot initially benefitted from Ralf Rangnick's arrival, who came in to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer midway through last season. The right-back became a regular and knew exactly what to do to retain that spot.
"I always try to step up a little bit each game, but I'd like to say in general I've been playing good, in my opinion," he said back in March. "I'm growing in every aspect of my game and I'm trying to get that consistency that will give me more time on the pitch. Obviously getting more minutes from this club, that's what I wanted since I came here. I want to combine that with good results in the team and help the team get a result as well."
