Real Madrid eye Man Utd full-back flourishing in new role under Carrick

Real Madrid are eyeing a Manchester United full-back who is flourishing under Michael Carrick's brand of attacking football.

Diogo Dalot is currently playing his best football for United having linked-up well and got forward down the wings against Manchester City and Arsenal.

He is also looking more comfortable defensively in a back-four which Ruben Amorim stubbornly refused to play.

And Dalot's good displays have been noticed abroad including from Madrid who have also followed him the past.

Madrid are going through a poor run, having axed Xabi Alonso and brought in Arbeloa who has not managed to bring about a change. And this coupled with injuries at that back has led them to look keenly at the January market.

Club president Florentino Pérez is said to have approved a review of potential targets, with Dalot now regarded as one of the leading names under consideration.

The defender is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, placing United in a strong negotiating position should any formal approach be made.

Madrid are believed to be ready to test United’s resolve with a substantial offer if they believe the player is open to a move.

At the same time United are not actively looking to sell Dalot and would be reluctant to lose a first-choice defender in the middle of the season. Any potential deal would likely depend on Madrid meeting a high valuation and United securing a suitable replacement.

And it is also true that Dalot has been one of United's most criticised players over the past year with commentators pointing to the way that he has appeared to dose off in games, lose his markers or not get close enough to stop crosses going in.

It is is unclear still whether the upturn under Carrick is long term and not just a brief turnaround in form.

Despite the speculation, Dalot is understood to be focused on his role at United and remains committed to helping the club compete at the highest level.