Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot shares a story from his time with Cristiano Ronaldo about an unnamed striker who scored twice but lacked the 'fire' to impress the Portuguese superstar, sparking debate over the player's identity.
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has revealed an intriguing insight into Cristiano Ronaldo's critical assessment of teammates, sparking speculation about which player the Portuguese superstar once deemed incapable of succeeding at Old Trafford.
The anecdote comes from a recent piece Dalot wrote for the Players' Tribune, where he described how Ronaldo's relentless pursuit of excellence extended to dissecting the performances of others. According to Dalot, there was a United striker who performed well in his first season, scoring two goals in a match, but Ronaldo dismissed his potential, stating, He's not gonna make it here.
When Dalot pointed out the brace, Ronaldo replied, Yeah, but he didn't have the fire to go for the third. This comment highlights Ronaldo's famously high standards and his belief that mere statistical contribution is insufficient without an insatiable drive for dominance. Dalot did not name the player, creating a puzzle for fans and analysts. The timeline Ronaldo's second stint at United began in the summer of 2021 and ended acrimoniously in November 2022.
The only United player other than Ronaldo to score twice in a single game during the 2021-22 season was Bruno Fernandes, who managed a hat-trick against Leeds on opening day and a brace against Aston Villa in January 2022. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford both scored braces in the early months of the 2022-23 season, after Ronaldo had already departed, making them unlikely candidates.
Mason Greenwood scored a brace against Burnley in April 2021, but that was before Ronaldo's return and during Dalot's loan at AC Milan, though Dalot might be misremembering the timeframe. Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani also scored in that first season back, but neither managed a brace. The mystery remains, though the focus on a striker narrows the field.
Beyond the speculation, Dalot used the platform to reflect on his own journey and the intense criticism he has endured throughout his eight years at Manchester United. He recounted the harsh labels he has faced, such as being called the worst right-back in the league and being told he does not deserve to play for the club. Dalot countered these external judgments by emphasizing the lessons he learned from Ronaldo's mentality and his own self-belief.
He noted that the outside world's verdict is never as bad as it seems, and he knows his own worth. The article also touches on the bond he shares with Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in the Portugal national team, particularly as they prepare for major tournaments. Dalot's piece serves as both a window into Ronaldo's exacting standards and a personal statement of resilience from a player who has fought to establish himself at a top club.
The story combines insider anecdote with broader themes of ambition and perception in modern football
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