"Main ally" of Cristiano Ronaldo could leave Man Utd after striker's bitter exit

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ally, Diogo Dalot, could leave Manchester United, according to a report.

Ronaldo acrimoniously departed United on the eve of the World Cup after taking part in an explosive and deeply critical TalkTV interview.

In a 90-minute conversation with Piers Morgan, the 37-year-old said he felt “betrayed” by the Old Trafford club, while he insisted he had no respect for manager Erik ten Hag.

A week after the interview was aired United revealed that Ronaldo was leaving Old Trafford by mutual consent, 15 months after returning to the club. Across his two spells there, the Portugal star scored 145 goals in 346 appearances.

The striker’s shock exit could reportedly lead to the departure of another United player - Ronaldo’s country-man Dalot.

Dalot to leave United?

A ‘Sport’ report has claimed that Dalot is considering a surprise exit from the club, despite having firmly cemented his place as a first-choice right-back this season. The player has started in all but one of United’s Premier League games so far this term.

However, Barcelona allegedly have a chance of signing the Portugal star, whose current deal is set to expire next summer.

The Catalan giants are said to have tracked the player’s development for “some time” and his performances at the World Cup have heightened their interest.

United have the option to extend Dalot’s deal by an extra year, while they are also ready to reward the 23-year-old’s performances with a new contract that would see him at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

Yet, the player would “welcome a change of scenery”, according to Sport. The publication also notes that Ronaldo was one of Dalot’s “main allies” at United and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s departure could sway the right-back towards leaving the club.

Ten Hag a fan

Ten Hag is a fan of Dalot, with the full-back having only missed one Premier League game this term, through suspension.

The United boss praised the Portugal star following the club’s 1-0 over West Ham United back in October.

Ten Hag said that Dalot is “progressing” and added, "we're happy with the development and the performances of Diogo, that's quite clear."

Topics: Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.