Juventus offer Man Utd ‘scapegoat’ escape route in January after embarrassing OT experience
Juventus have reportedly added Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot to their shortlist ahead of the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old is currently on international duty. On Saturday, he started in Portugal’s surprising 1-4 defeat at home to Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.
This forgettable result has extended Dalot’s miserable run, as he’s been severely criticised for his latest outings at Man Utd.
Juventus keeping an eye on Diogo Dalot
Last Sunday, Dalot endured a nightmarish afternoon against Aston Villa. He was blamed for two of the four goals the team conceded, and was cheered off the pitch by the Old Trafford home supporters, with some observers arguing he’s been made a ‘scapegoat’.
The Red Devils ended up rescuing a point that wasn’t enough to salvage Michael Carrick’s job or erase this ugly memory for Dalot.
The Porto youth product will be looking to bounce back under Mauricio Pochettino, but it remains to be seen if the new head coach will confirm him as a regular starter.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dalot could be handed the opportunity to start afresh in Italy, as Juventus are in the hunt for a new full-back/wing-back.
The club directors are keen to reinforce Luciano Spalletti’s squad with several additions, and a full-back appears to be at the top of the wishlist.
The pink newspaper identifies Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie as the main target, with the Serie A giants looking to rebuild an Italian core.
Nevertheless, the source mentions Dalot as an alternative option, alongside Manchester City benchwarmer Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is also on Man Utd’s shortlist.
Could Dalot leave Man Utd in January?
The Portuguese international has been at United since 2018, but he is already familiar with Italian football, having represented AC Milan on loan during the 2020/21 campaign.
Despite his recent blunders, Dalot is still appreciated by a section of the fanbase for his professionalism and dedication to the cause. He is now considered a locker-room leader.
| Dalot’s Stats by Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester United | 260 | 10 | 20 |
| AC Milan | 33 | 2 | 3 |
| Porto | 8 | 0 | 3 |
At this stage, Man Utd certainly need upgrades in the full-back slots, but this shouldn’t necessarily spell the end of the Lisbon native’s time at Carrington, as his versatility could be useful as a squad player.
The next few months will tell us where Dalot, and every other Man Utd player, sits in Pochettino’s pecking order, and which position should be addressed, whether in January or the summer.
