Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has opened up on his struggles so far with the club in the Premier League.
Highly rated after being acquired by Jose Mourinho, Dalot joined United with high expectations on his shoulders at the age of just 20.
Now in his fourth year since arriving from Porto, Dalot has only managed 23 league appearances.
However, the Portuguese full-back has largely been away from the pitch due to injury issues and self-admittedly struggling with the physicality of Premier League football.
Dalot has opened up on his struggles of adapting to the English league.
Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: “I had two struggling years with my body. My body was changing and I had some injuries and needed to step up to get to the other players’ level in terms of fitness. It wasn’t growing pains.
“You adapt, then you get injured and when you return the team is at a high level of intense training, playing games. I was probably pushing too much and my body was not dealing very well with that adapting."
Last season, Dalot asked to be sent out on loan. He would eventually join Italian giants AC Milan on a season-long deal in a bid to regain his confidence, whilst playing regular minutes at a high level.
The 22-year-old would do just that, impressing in Serie A - with the team interested in signing him permanently, whilst Borussia Dortmund had also been linked.
However, Dalot had his mind set on returning to United.
He said: “That is why I knew last season was massive for me. My body was feeling those changes and when I went to Milan it was perfect to balance everything and return to this season. That is why I wanted to stay here, fight for games and be an important player for the team.
“I wanted to stay here and the club trusted me to stay here. My mind was completely focused on having an important role in this team.”
Dalot has made three league appearances this season, as he looks to push current first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka for his first-team spot.
He said: "The most beautiful and healthy competition is when there are two or three for each position and you can learn from each other.
"I’m sure Aaron learns some things from me when I play, I learn from him. Everyone is going to be a part of it this season."
