Diogo Dalot played 27 minutes from the bench in Portugal's 4-2 win against Denmark on Thursday evening.
Should Diogo Dalot be Man Utd's starting right-back?
Diogo Dalot did not play from the start in Portugal's 4-2 win against Denmark on Thursday evening, but his performance from the bench, which may have gone under the radar, will be great news for Bryan Mbeumo and Michael Carrick.
The Manchester United full-back played the final 27 minutes after replacing former Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo and assisted former Chelsea attacker Joao Felix on the final goal of the game.
He also created one big chance, played one pass into the final third, made two clearances, and won his aerial duel of the game.
Bruno Fernandes will take the headlines with two assists despite his injury concerns in mid-week, but Dalot's performance could see Bryan Mbeumo improve after the international break.
How Dalot can unlock Mbeumo
With Amad out injured, Bryan Mbeumo has been Manchester United's first-choice right-winger for the start of the campaign, but has been asked to play the role in a similar manner to the Ivorian.
Mbeumo typically likes to drift inside and play close to the centre-forward, as he did so well with Ivan Toney and Yoane Wissa at Brentford. With Dalot playing a more defensive role, Mbeumo has been staying wider and has struggled to have the same impact which impressed United fans last season.
However, if Dalot can prove himself as an attacking threat, as he was for Portugal against Denmark, Mbeumo could be allowed to drift inside and get back to his best form.
Last season, Carrick favoured Mbeumo through the middle when both he and Benjamin Šeško were available, so having the option to play the Cameroon international in a more central role will be a big boost for the head coach.
Manchester United picked up just five points from the first five Premier League games, while also losing to Brighton in the Carabao Cup. They need to return well after the international break, and Dalot could be key to their form.
When will Amad return?
In August, Roundtable reported that Amad was set for up to six weeks on the sidelines, which could see him return in time to face Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.
A timeframe has yet to be announced for Amad's return, but he will be eager to get back to action and reclaim his first-team spot.
Whether Amad starts against Tottenham or not, Mbeumo is sure to play on the right flank during Manchester United's tough October run, and when he does, Dalot has to be playing at right-back.
