Man United defender withdraws from international duty following injury
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(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
Oliver Walton
Thu 4 September 2025 18:16, UK
Man United have suffered a setback during the international break with one of their star defenders pulling out of his country’s squad after picking up an injury.
The Red Devils need all the luck they can get right now after a troublesome start to the new season saw Ruben Amorim come under fire.
Man United’s opening day loss against Arsenal was followed up by a draw at Fulham, but then disaster struck as they lost to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup on 27 August.
Amorim’s side were able to beat Burnley 3-2 last time out, but their summer business is yet to truly bear fruit after the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko were all signed for sizeable fees.
The international break was supposed to provide some much-needed relief following that victory, but they have suffered another setback with one of their key men picking up an injury.
Credit: Imago
Diogo Dalot has started in three of Man United‘s four competitive games so far this term, but they have now been handed another injury blow after he pulled out of the Portugal squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary.
Man United confirmed his withdrawal on their website on Thursday (4 September), stating that the 26-year-old picked up an issue while training with his national team, with the Portuguese Federation reporting back to them that he has been suffering from “muscle discomfort.”
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Dalot changed his shirt number from 20 to 2 during the off-season, in a move which seemed to indicate that he was set to play a big part in Amorim’s side this term.
He has done just that up to now, with starts against Arsenal, Grimsby and Burnley, as he picked up an assist in the latter, created two chances and completed the most dribbles of any player [Fotmob].
AppearancesGoalsAssists214918Dalot’s Man United career stats
The 26-year-old looks to have nailed down a place in his compatriot’s side as a wing-back, but now Amorim will have to turn to a different defender to start the next few games, with Patrick Dorgu the most likely candidate.
Even though Dalot does not possess the kind of star quality that will win United games this season, everyone at the club will hope that his injury is not serious, as he looked to be going well at the start of this campaign, but could now face a few weeks on the sidelines with a tough Manchester derby coming up.