Dalot rejected Borussia Dortmund transfer and Solskjaer feedback shows why

When Diogo Dalot joined AC Milan on a season-long loan deal last year, it looked almost inevitable that his time at Manchester United was coming to an end.

After starting just one Premier League game in 2019/20, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had clearly deemed the Portuguese right-back as surplus to requirements.

The arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a £50million signing in that summer, pushed Dalot further down the pecking order, while Brandon Williams also proved to be a capable back-up.

With opportunities scarce at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old was allowed to join Milan in an attempt to revitalise his stalling career.

It didn't go completely to plan at the San Siro. Dalot was in and out of the Rossoneri XI, but he was injury free and in total made 33 appearances for the Italian giants.

Diogo Dalot now has a chance to earn a starting berth at Man Utd

Milan wanted to re-sign him in the summer window, while Borussia Dortmund also made a late move for the defender in the closing hours of the window.

Reports claimed that Solskjaer blocked those approaches, while Manchester Evening News suggest Dalot was similarly disinterested in a move to Germany.

The report states that Dalot believes he has a chance to break into the line-up and has enjoyed a welcome morale boost after he earned a call-up to the Portugal squad for the Euros.

Dalot was handed a chance to impress Solskjaer during the pre-season and with Williams this time out on loan, he is the only reserve behind Wan-Bissaka.

But after Wan-Bisska was dismissed against Young Boys in midweek, the door has been opened, even if temporarily, for Dalot to earn a starting berth.

According to the MEN, Solskjaer and his staff have been suitably impressed by not only his performances in training, but also his professionalism in rejecting a move to Dortmund.

He looks in line to start next week's Carabao Cup clash against West Ham, as well as the Champions League group stage game with Villarreal the following week.

But Dalot has already made it clear that he needs more minutes if he is to remain with the club beyond this season.

BERN, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Diogo Dalot of Manchester United (L) is chased by Ulisses Garcia of Young Boys (R) during the UEFA Champions League group F match between BSC Young Boys and Manchester United at Stadion Wankdorf on September 14, 2021 in Bern, Switzerland. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Does Diogo Dalot deserve a chance in the Man Utd starting XI? Have your say here

Earlier this year, he said: "When I had a season like last season obviously things start to get more demanding as well.

"I want to keep playing, I want to keep giving everything I have and improve. I know last season was fantastic but I can do even more."

Solskjaer's predecessor, Jose Mourinho once predicted Dalot would be United's right-back for the next 10 years when he signed for the club.

For at least the next two midweek games at least, he could finally stake his claim.