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Who is Diogo Dalot? We profile Manchester United's new signing

Diogo Dalot only made his first-team debut for Porto in February

Manchester United have completed the signing of Diogo Dalot from Porto - here's what we know about the defender...

United agreed an undisclosed fee with Porto for the 19-year-old but the right-back, who only made his Porto debut in February, is understood to have had a €20m (£17.4m) release clause in his contract.

Dalot to have Man Utd medical
Dalot to have Man Utd medical

Diogo Dalot will have his Manchester United medical this week, according to Sky sources

Dalot has been described as "a modern full back, with an appetite for attack" on Porto's website - so should Antonio Valencia be fearing for his starting spot? And how has he fared in his first half-season?

We profile the Portuguese player's rise to the Porto first team and subsequent switch to United…

Diogo Dalot Factfile

  • Age: 19
  • Born: Braga, Portugal
  • Position: Full back
  • International caps: Four at U21 level
  • Honours: Primeira Liga (2017-18), U17 European Championship (2016)
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International success

As Dalot came up the ranks at Porto's academy, he was also representing Portugal at youth level - first featuring for the U15s in June 2014.

Dalot became a regular fixture in the U17 side, and played a key role in their victory at the European Championship in 2016.

After starting three of Portugal's first four games at the tournament, in which they scored 12 goals without reply, Dalot went on to net in a 2-0 semi-final win over the Netherlands.

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He then opened the scoring in the final against Spain, and though Manchester City's Brahim Diaz quickly equalised, Portugal lifted the trophy after winning 6-5 on penalties - Dalot among those successful from the spot.

Dalot has since featured four times for the U21 side, as they look to secure qualification for Euro 2019 in Italy.

From UEFA Youth League to Primeira Liga

Dalot's U17 exploits with Portugal saw him start the 2016-17 season with Porto's U19 side in the UEFA Youth League.

He also featured for Porto B three times, and started regularly for the reserve side - who play in Portugal's second division, LigaPro - come the 2017-18 campaign.

Sadio Mane shoots under pressure from Diogo Dalot (L) and Diego Reyes during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg match between Liverpool and FC Porto at Anfield on March 6, 2018
Image: Sadio Mane shoots under pressure from Diogo Dalot (L) and Diego Reyes Liverpool's Champions League last-16 second leg with Porto

Back in February, Dalot went on to make his first-team debut at the age of 18, coming off the bench in a 5-0 win over Rio Ave.

After another substitute appearance against Estoril, Dalot then started four consecutive games for Porto, recording two assists in the first of those against Portimonense.

"It's a kid who has done an exceptional job in team B," said manager Sergio Conceicao in February. "Dalot has very good behaviour, but it's just a game. Success has nothing to do with one or another good performance, but rather give continuity and assert himself more at FC Porto. He has the quality to do so. He is a great player."

This run also coincided with a Champions League appearance in the last-16 second-leg goalless draw at Liverpool, though the tie was already beyond Porto after a 5-0 first-leg loss.

It was another show of faith by Conceicao, and though Dalot picked up a knee injury towards the close of the campaign, he ended the season a league champion as Porto finished seven points ahead of nearest rivals Benfica.

Valencia beware, or Young?

Dalot's versatility makes him an attractive prospect. He featured in a more advanced role on either the left or right of midfield when Porto B played three centre-backs, while he was deployed at left-back for all four of his starts with the first team.

This means his arrival at Old Trafford will pose a threat to Valencia and Ashley Young. Both will be 33 years old by the start of next season, so the idea of a prospering teenager arriving on the scene could well have the duo fearing that they are set to be phased out.

Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, both 32, have one year left on their current contracts at Manchester United
Image: Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young, both 32, have one year left on their current contracts at Manchester United

Additionally, Valencia and Young's current contracts are expiring in June 2019, so it appears Dalot could just be the start of Mourinho's defensive regeneration.

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