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Mourinho: Dalot is Europe’s best young fullback

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Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Diogo Dalot battle for the ball.

Jose Mourinho has hailed new Manchester United signing Diogo Dalot as the ‘best fullback in Europe’ in his age group and is confident he has all the attributes to be a success at Old Trafford.

Dalot had been strongly linked with a move to United over the past week, with reports claiming his €20-million release clause had been met.

United confirmed the deal on Wednesday after both parties agreed to terms on a five-year contract which has the option for a further 12 months.

And despite featuring just six times in the Primeira Liga in 2017-18, 19-year-old Dalot is expected to go straight into United’s first-team squad, initially as back-up to Antonio Valencia.

But in the long run, Mourinho has high expectations for the fullback.

‘Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club,’ Mourinho told the club’s official website.

‘He has all the attributes that a fullback needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.

‘In his age group, he is the best fullback in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.’

For Dalot, the move sees him leave familiar surroundings, but a switch to United was an offer he could not refuse.

‘Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me,’ Dalot said. ‘I have grown up in Porto’s academy and I am so thankful for everything they have done for me.

‘But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn’t turn down.

‘I’m excited about working with Jose Mourinho and learning everything I can from such a successful coach. I am looking forward to playing alongside the fantastic players in the squad.’