Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has sparked excitement among fans by taking the iconic No. 2 shirt for the 2025/26 season, a move that signals his growing importance to the team under manager Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese right-back, previously wearing the No. 20 since his arrival from Porto in 2018, inherited the number following Victor Lindelöf’s departure from the club in the summer of 2025. Announced on July 10, 2025, as United began pre-season training at Carrington, the squad number change reflects Dalot’s evolution into a key figure in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, where he has excelled as a right wing-back.
The No. 2 shirt, historically worn by club legends like Gary Neville and Denis Irwin, carries significant weight, and Dalot’s assignment underscores the confidence that both the manager and the club have in his ability to lead the squad’s resurgence after a challenging 2024/25 campaign.
Dalot’s transition to the No. 2 comes at a pivotal moment for Manchester United, who are looking to rebound from their worst-ever Premier League finish of 15th last season. The 26-year-old, fresh off winning the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, has emerged as one of the few players perfectly suited to Amorim’s tactical demands.
His athleticism, defensive tenacity, and ability to contribute offensively from the wing-back role have made him a mainstay, starting 35 matches across all competitions last season.
In United’s pre-season preparations, Dalot’s performances have been sharp, with sources at Carrington noting his leadership in drills and his vocal presence among a squad undergoing significant transition.
His versatility—capable of playing as a traditional right-back or a more advanced wing-back—has been crucial in Amorim’s high-pressing, possession-oriented system, which requires dynamic wide players to stretch opponents and support the attack.
The decision to hand Dalot the No. 2 shirt also carries symbolic weight, aligning him with United’s storied defensive tradition. Gary Neville, who wore the number for over a decade, was a model of consistency and leadership, qualities Dalot has begun to emulate.
Last season, he recorded three assists and a goal in the Premier League, including a crucial cross in a 2-1 upset against Manchester City in December 2024. His defensive metrics, averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game, highlight his reliability, while his 87% pass completion rate reflects his comfort in Amorim’s system, which emphasizes building from the back.
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs recently praised Dalot’s adaptability, noting in a May 2025 interview that players like him and Lisandro Martinez are “the perfect fit” for Amorim’s vision, unlike others who may struggle in the 3-4-2-1 setup.
However, the squad number change comes amid broader challenges for United. The club’s financial constraints, exacerbated by a £113 million net loss in 2023/24 and the costs of sacking Erik ten Hag and appointing Amorim, limit their ability to reinforce the squad.
With potential departures looming for players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, Dalot’s role as a consistent performer becomes even more critical.
His new number signals a long-term commitment to the club, with his contract running until 2028, and fans hope it marks the start of a new era of stability at right-back, a position that has seen inconsistency since Neville’s retirement.
As United prepare for their Premier League opener and a Europa League campaign, Dalot’s leadership and versatility will be vital in navigating Amorim’s demanding system and restoring the club’s place among the elite.
