Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has shared the secrets to his remarkable – and invaluable – availability after proudly reaching the milestone of 200 Reds appearances.

So far this season, the Portuguese full-back has featured in 43 of 44 fixtures across all competitions, thanks to his self-described “obsessive” approach to preparation and recovery. It was a similar story in the 2023/24 campaign as well: Dalot appeared in 50 of 52 matches in total, with only goalkeeper Andre Onana bettering his record with 51 outings.  

In an era when players are challenged by relentless schedules and more physically demanding games, availability and consistency are priceless attributes to have – which Diogo understands. “I think in top football, especially in today’s game, availability is something that is becoming much more important than probably a few years ago,” he told us ahead of tonight’s match against Real Sociedad. 

“Football is getting a lot more physical, schedules are getting bigger all the time so the amount of games that top clubs have nowadays is really big, so availability is something that I became a little bit obsessed about, which I think made me a better professional and a better athlete as well. 

“Ultimately, you become an option for the manager. Then, the probability of you being able to play is a lot higher when the availability is there, so I try to combine that with performance on the pitch. Ultimately, what you do on the pitch will resolve everything, but the availability for me became my first big priority, to be able to play a lot of games for this club. 

“Everything that I do when I wake up is to try to be at my best mentally and physically to help the team. Then, on the pitch, it is a game and everything can happen. I always try to give my best, that is common in every game, but ultimately what you do outside of the pitch will try to define if you are able to play for this club or not. Competition for places is high, the quality is really high, so it is a tough place to play but it is the type of place that I love.”

Expanding on his dedication to being a top professional and athlete, Diogo continues: “I think it is massive in my opinion, but every player is different, this is very individual. What can provide results for me might not provide results for you. 

“But what I try to pass to my team-mates when they sometimes ask for advice is that, as a football player and an athlete, you need to build this… I am not saying for you to be obsessive about it, but this consciousness, you need to be in the best shape possible, physically and mentally, to be able to play at this level. That is the first step to succeed. 

“We know how to play football, we know the quality is there. If you are playing for Manchester United, it is because you have a lot of football qualities. But the rest, the unseen part, I think it is almost as important as that because ultimately it is going to define if you are going to play X amount of games for a club like this.”

Diogo Dalot | My Matchday Video

MY MATCHDAY | We ride with Diogo Dalot from Carrington to Old Trafford, to uncover his pre-game routines and habits…

Reflecting on his achievement of 200 appearances, Dalot said: “I am extremely proud to be honest, it is something that is a really great milestone for me as an individual and for my career. To be able to play that amount of games for such a big club is something that is hard to explain in words. It has been a tough journey to be able to play that amount of games, but at the same time a really good one that I have tried to enjoy and hopefully it is one that I can continue. 

“I think it has been really progressive, as I like things to be in my life. Obviously it started a bit bumpy in the beginning, I was still very young and also trying to get to know my body, trying to develop as a player, but I think as soon as I started to find the consistency, getting more opportunities to play, it has been a really good journey. I remember the times that I played two games in a row, then I was really happy to play five games, 10 games, so little milestones through my journey. I have reached, now, a very good number and it is something I am proud of.”

STATS ZONE

Let’s look at the numbers behind Dalot’s 200 United appearances…

This season’s top appearance makers: 
Diogo Dalot = 43
Alejandro Garnacho = 43
Bruno Fernandes = 42
Noussair Mazraoui = 42
Joshua Zirkzee = 42

Opposition breakdown: 
Liverpool = 11
Brighton & Hove Albion = 11
Arsenal = 10 
Tottenham Hotspur = 9
Newcastle United = 9

Managers: 
Erik ten Hag = 106
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer = 36
Ruben Amorim = 25
Ralf Rangnick = 22
Jose Mourinho = 6
Ruud van Nistelrooy = 4
Michael Carrick = 1

Competition: 
Premier League = 133
Europa League = 22
FA Cup = 20 
Champions League = 13
Carabao Cup = 11
Community Shield = 1

Team-mates: 
Bruno Fernandes = 155
Marcus Rashford = 145
Scott McTominay = 112
Victor Lindelof = 108
Harry Maguire = 106

Get ready for United v Real Sociedad:

• Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference Video

  Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference

  PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben Amorim and Patrick Dorgu face questions from the media, before Real Sociedad’s visit…

• Six Reds run the gauntlet! Video

  Six Reds run the gauntlet!

  TRAINING LIVE | Watch the moment Dalot, Heaven, Mount, Obi, Onana and Ugarte all ran the gauntlet…

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After a highly impressive substitute performance at the weekend, will young defender Ayden Heaven make his first Manchester United start in Thursday’s UEFA Europa League encounter with Real Sociedad?

That’s the key question our MUTV pundits have been debating while playing our popular United Predictions game ahead of an Old Trafford night under the lights.

With a new absentee and some returning faces, Ruben Amorim is likely to make changes to his United team. Our Portuguese head coach confirmed some key team news in Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. Defender Leny Yoro is out for the next two games after a knock sustained in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal. Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, on the other hand, could make his return.

United were held to a 1-1 draw at La Real a week ago. Joshua Zirkzee had opened the scoring with a fine strike but Mikel Oyarzabal’s 70th-minute penalty ensured it’s all to play for in M16 in the second leg.

The Reds know the Europa League is our final chance of lifting silverware this season. So, how many changes will Amorim make against a tough Real Sociedad side? Might we see a chance for one of the squad’s young players due to injuries? And will United get the job done?

Well, our pundits have given us their insights to help you in making your own predictions. So, read their thoughts and then join us to predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win great prizes.

Danny Webber is backing a first United start for Ayden Heaven, the 18-year-old defender brought in from Arsenal in January. Check out his full predictions below…

DANNY WEBBER’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; De Ligt, Heaven, Mazraoui; Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes

Score: United 2-1 Real Sociedad

First scorer: Alejandro Garnacho

Webber expects Heaven to slot between senior defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and replace the injured Yoro in the starting line-up. Harry Maguire is also absent at the moment, but might return for the weekend’s trip to Leicester City.

Heaven has made two United appearances so far, both as a substitute. He first came on in our gutting FA Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Fulham, before an excellent 45 minutes against his former club, Arsenal.

As for the rest of Webber’s United Predictions, he thinks Ugarte will come straight back into the side after returning to training, and he’s elected Zirkzee to lead the line ahead of Rasmus Hojlund.

His choice of Man of the Match will be no surprise in Bruno Fernandes. Our captain has shown his quality on the big nights so far this season. Webber thinks Garnacho will net the first goal after a strong performance against Arsenal at the weekend, which Amorim called his “best game since I’ve been here”.

Wes Brown is also backing Bruno for a big night — who isn’t?! — but doesn’t agree with Danny on everything…

WES BROWN’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Lindelof; Dalot, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Zirkzee, Hojlund, Garnacho.

Score: United 2-0 Real Sociedad

First scorer: Rasmus Hojlund

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernnades

Wes, who knew how to step it up for the big European nights, thinks Amorim will prioritise experience over youth on Thursday. He’s backing Victor Lindelof to start ahead of Ayden Heaven, and he’s elected a different midfield, too. With Ugarte having only recently returned to training, Wes thinks Bruno will slot into that deeper midfield role alongside Casemiro, with an exciting attacking trio of first-leg goalscorer Zirkzee, Garnacho and Hojlund.

Rasmus has been searching eagerly for the back of the net in recent games and made some excellent runs out in San Sebastian, and Wes predicts him to net United’s first goal in an excellent home victory. Let’s hope so!

WHAT RUBEN’S SAID

Keen for more insight before making your choices? Well, here’s the key team news lines from the boss to help you.

On team news: “Mason Mount is too soon. Leny [Yoro] is out. Harry Maguire cannot play this one. I hope to have him for Sunday.

Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference Video

PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben Amorim and Patrick Dorgu face questions from the media, before Real Sociedad’s visit…

“Manu [Ugarte] is in the squad and I think there is no-one [else] returning.

“No, no [Yoro’s absence] is not long term. Leny cannot play this game and the other game [Leicester].”

So, does that indicate a starting spot for anyone in particular? You decide.

PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS

Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.

You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.

With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!

Recommended:

• Six Reds run the gauntlet! Video

  Six Reds run the gauntlet!

  TRAINING LIVE | Watch the moment Dalot, Heaven, Mount, Obi, Onana and Ugarte all ran the gauntlet…

• Time to get Real

   Gallery

  See images of the 23 players in training ahead of the Real Sociedad clash.

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TeamViewer Trending: De Ligt’s Growing Influence

United’s FA Cup elimination to Fulham earlier this month was another tough moment in a difficult season. But amid the disappointment, thousands of fans were still moved to find time to praise the individual performance of Matthijs de Ligt.

The Dutchman’s effort against the Cottagers was simply immense, from a mental and physical standpoint, and continued the 25-year-old’s quiet rise since the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Against Real Sociedad last Thursday, and Arsenal on Sunday, it was the same again: two challenging contests for the team to negotiate, during which De Ligt opened the shoulders and gave it everything. Concentration, commitment, intelligence, and plenty of combat.

While the Reds have gone through the ringer in 2025, De Ligt has shown clear relish for the challenges United have had to negotiate. And in this recent run of games – Ipswich, Fulham, La Real, Arsenal – supporters have really noticed.

De Ligt’s first United goal at Old Trafford arrived in the game against Kieran McKenna’s side – a typically full-blooded stab home from close range, following a penalty-area stramash – and throughout that 10-man win, he and Harry Maguire seemed to be in their element. Backs-to-the-wall defending, disgusting weather conditions, endless physical battles against the aggressive Liam Delap? We’ll have a bit of that, the big centre-halves seemed to say.

There’s not a lot to shout about at the moment, with injury-hit United in the midst of the club’s worst Premier League season on record. But De Ligt’s growing authority and influence deserves a modest nod…

De Ligt’s first Old Trafford goal Video

DE LIGT REACTS FIRST | Matthijs was on hand to turn home after Alex Palmer saved from Diogo Dalot…

STANDOUT MOMENT

De Ligt made six successful tackles across the full 120 minutes against Fulham, but there were two particularly outstanding pieces of defending – the first a crunching effort to stop Antonee Robinson’s counterattack down United’s right, just by the touchline in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The crowd loved that one, as they did another on Andreas Pereira. The former United midfielder sent Victor Lindelof the wrong way inside the penalty area, and was lining up a certain goalscoring opportunity when De Ligt crashed in from nowhere to send the ball to safety, and the former Academy graduate rolling towards the advertising hoardings. Minutes later, Bruno Fernandes equalised.

The former Ajax captain is at his best when saving the day: remember his amazing clearance from inches in front of the goal line during that remarkable FA Cup tie at Arsenal? There’s a great image of De Ligt shaking the netting with joyous defiance, after nicking the ball away from Leandro Trossard’s feet. To adopt the old cliché, it was a piece of defending almost the equal of scoring a goal.

Another personal favourite was Matthijs’s tackle on Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana at Old Trafford back in January. The game was poised at 1-1 with less than 10 minutes left, and Sulemana had already given Leny Yoro a torrid night. De Ligt slammed into the Ghanaian at the first attempt, and helped United maintain control in the Saints’ half. The final result? 3-1 United.

But perhaps his finest recent moment came against Real Sociedad, when he slipped as a low ball entered the Reds’ box. On the floor as the ball approached him, he somehow managed to adjust and launch the ball away with his ‘other’ foot, just as Orri Oskarsson seemed poised for a simple chance to put the Basque club ahead.

PERFORMANCE INSIGHT

Heroic blocks and attacking contributions earn players like De Ligt the viral clips that entertain fans, but it’s surely Matthijs’s leadership qualities and mental strength that make him so valuable in this current period of United history.

That’s no surprise – he captained Ajax at 18 and has also played for European giants Juventus and Bayern Munich – but that desire to keep competing, to keep coming back for more, when the team is not performing so fluently and the scrutiny is unflinching… well, it deserves recognition.

There’s a willingness to adapt too. The player has featured across Amorim’s back three, and has had to work within an array of defensive configurations due to the many injuries that have afflicted United in recent months. Against Fulham, he was the only central defender to play the whole of the contest, which meant he dovetailed with Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof and Ayden Heaven across normal time and extra-time. 

De Ligt’s saving challenge Video

Matthijs de Ligt prevented ex-Red Andreas going through with this crunching tackle…

MATTHIJS SAID

“I feel well settled in now. I remember my old agent, Mino Raiola, always told me that after six months you start to feel a little bit better, and after one year you can say that you are completely settled. I feel good with my team-mates, with the stadium, with the fans, so hopefully we can continue like that, and me personally also.

“I expected it [the Premier League] to be like this. Obviously, in the beginning it’s quite difficult because, first of all, you’re coming from a different league and, second of all, I didn’t have a normal pre-season in the last couple of years, because of injuries, because of the Euros last summer. So it’s quite normal in the beginning you have some trouble with adjusting to the pace of the game, the pace of the players, and I feel that, game by game, I’m getting better, I’m getting more used to the opponents, the league, and then it becomes a lot easier.”

Physical De Ligt gets the crowd up! Video

MATCH MOMENT | The Old Trafford crowd loved this series of challenges, culminating with Matthijs de Ligt weighing in…

THE PUNDITS SAID

Two-time Champions League winner Wes Brown is a big De Ligt admirer. “Matthijs de Ligt can be an elite defender for Manchester United,” he opined recently. “He’s had some really good games and when he settles into life at the club he’ll be a big success. He’s been playing at the highest level for so many years now at such a young age and now it’s about showing everyone what he can do at Old Trafford. I think he’ll find his rhythm in Ruben Amorim’s system and be a valuable player for many years to come.”

Despite our FA Cup exit to Fulham recently, even the BBC’s Alan Shearer had time to offer a few words of recognition for the Dutchman, too. “De Ligt has done everything right. His defending is impressive, really tight, not giving anyone any space.”

‘What a challenge!’ Video

Listen to the roar as Matthijs de Ligt powers into a tackle to keep the pressure on Southampton…

DID YOU KNOW?

De Ligt and Maguire became the first centre-backs in United’s Premier League history to score in the same game, when netting against Ipswich. Opta claim that two defenders have scored in the same game for the Reds on six occasions since England’s top flight was rebranded in 1992, but the previous five occasions involved contributions from full-backs who are, of course, more often involved in attacking play.

Recommended:

• Six Reds run the gauntlet! Video

  Six Reds run the gauntlet!

  TRAINING LIVE | Watch the moment Dalot, Heaven, Mount, Obi, Onana and Ugarte all ran the gauntlet…

• Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference Video

  Amorim and Dorgu’s press conference

  PRESS CONFERENCE | Ruben Amorim and Patrick Dorgu face questions from the media, before Real Sociedad’s visit…

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