- Diogo Dalot not in matchday squad
- Noussair Mazraoui starts in his place
- Absence vs Brighton not due to injury
Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in their final outing of the season this afternoon (24 May).
Head coach Michael Carrick has named a strong lineup, with a few rotations from the side that beat Nottingham Forest last time out to secure third place.
There is one notable absence in the team from last weekend, who has already featured for the last time in a United shirt this season.
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Diogo Dalot Not in Matchday Squad
According to The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst, Dalot has travelled with the matchday squad to the south coast this afternoon (24 May) but will take no part. The 27-year-old has been pictured on the pitch supporting his “mates” ahead of the clash.
The right-back was not named by Michael Carrick in his starting eleven. Noussair Mazraoui takes his place in the team. Tyrell Malacia, who will leave the club this summer, is the only other full-back named on the bench.
This means that the Portuguese defender will finish the season with 34 appearances, having started 29 league games. Dalot has only missed four domestic games throughout the campaign. Having not featured in the early League and FA Cup exits for the Reds, all appearances have occured in the league.
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Could a Mourinho Reunion Happen?
There could be an outside possibility that Dalot has played his last game for United. Strong rumours have circulated that Jose Mourinho will make a move for his compatriot once he takes over the helm at Real Madrid.
Mourinho originally brought Dalot to Old Trafford in 2018. “The Special One” labelled him as the best young full-back in Europe at the time. The former United manager is expected to take over at the Bernabeu after leaving Benfica.
The stage is set for them to cross paths again. With Dani Carvajal leaving, an opening has emerged at right-back. The position is in desperate need of reinforcement, particularly as Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced trouble with inconsistent form and injuries as well. Mourinho has always prioritised tactically disciplined full-backs, and his familiarity with Dalot’s traits makes the interest feel legitimate.
