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Diogo Dalot names the Man United player he rates above Bruno Fernandes

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 8:55 AM ET

Diogo Dalot is now into his eighth year as a Manchester United player so he has shared the pitch with some incredible talents.

The Portuguese right-back made his move to Old Trafford in 2018 under the tenure of Jose Mourinho, and he continues to be a regular starter under Michael Carrick.

Legendary United full-back Denis Irwin praised Diogo Dalot for his consistency over the years. Regardless of which manager comes in, he always finds his way into the starting XI.

Dalot is incredibly close to Bruno Fernandes as his Portuguese compatriot, and the United captain is in such good form this season that he is competing for Player of the Season in the Premier League.

However, he has made it clear that Fernandes is not the best United player he has shared a pitch with.

Diogo Dalot reveals the best player he’s played with at Manchester United

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

During a recent episode of the Inside Carrington podcast, Dalot named Cristiano Ronaldo as the standout player he’s played alongside at Manchester United.

When asked who stood out most, Dalot responded: “Oh, I have to say Cristiano. I mean, for the whole package, the way he came, I think he changed my career.

“After I met him, he helped me a lot, going through a lot of scenarios here at the club. And even in that moment, he helped me.

“So the whole package, I would say, apart from the quality and the moments that he had, even the season when he came back, he really impressed me.”

Dalot already knew Ronaldo from international duty with Portugal before they teamed up at United during Ronaldo’s return spell from 2021 to 2022.

Diogo Dalot’s leadership role at Man United

While Dalot has faced his fair share of criticism over the years, there’s no denying his reliability and commitment whenever he’s called upon for Manchester United.

Under Ruben Amorim, Dalot was added to the team’s leadership group. It shows how much he brings beyond just what happens on the pitch.

Michael Carrick is a big admirer of Dalot, and he is certainly not the first manager of United to feel that way.

He may not be a world-class footballer, but his attitude has never been in question. It will probably only be once he leaves that fans truly appreciate everything he brought to the team during his eight-year stint.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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