Diogo Dalot 'most concrete option' for Mourinho as he eyes Roma reinforcements

Ex- Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is plotting a move that will see Red Devils right-back Diogo Dalot join him at current club AS Roma.

The Portugal international was handed his first Premier League start at Old Trafford for two years on Thursday night when United came out on top in a five-goal thriller against rivals Arsenal.

Dalot comfortably held his own, more than up to the task of quelling the threat posed by fellow countryman Nuno Tavares and Gunners youngster Emile Smith Rowe.

While the clash against Mikel Arteta 's side was technically his fifth Premier League appearance so far this campaign, it was the first time he has completed 90 minutes - interim boss Michael Carrick clearly a fan of Dalot's efforts during his final game at the helm before handing over to Ralf Rangnick.

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However, whether the new United boss sees Dalot as part of his plans will be determined in the coming weeks amid a backdrop of uncertainty over the defender's future as rumours with Roma continue to circulate.

Mourinho's men have been touted with a potential move for Dalot for at least two months, the three-time Premier League winning boss desperate to strengthen his current defensive options come the January transfer window.

With the market's open nearly upon us, Roma's technical director Tiago Pinto has reportedly already held discussions with Mourinho over who he wants come the turn of the year, as per Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.

Dalot is thought to be viewed as the 'most concrete' option for the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss, due to a number of different reasons.

One of which is the fact Dalot already boats sufficient knowledge of the Italian league, having previously enjoyed a two-year loan spell with AC Milan.

Mourinho's admiration for Dalot is well-documented, especially given the self-proclaimed 'special one' was the manager who brought the defender to Old Trafford in the first place.

Rangnick was particularly coy over his tactical plans for this United side when conducting his first media duties as manager on Friday, but should Dalot fall back out of favour he could become keen on a reunion with Mourinho.

After an impressive start during his second stint in Serie A, things have quickly turned sour for Mourinho - his Roma side taking just 16 points from the last 12 league matches.

A decline in results has seen Mourinho adopt one of his more controversial trademark tactics in shifting the blame onto his own players, something Dalot may be wary of.