Milan boss uncertain over future of Manchester United loanee Dalot

David Lynch

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has insisted it is not up to him whether the club Diogo Dalot’s loan move from Manchester United permanent at the end of the season.

But the Italian declared himself ‘really pleased’ with the defender, whose prospects of carving out a long-term future at Old Trafford remain equally uncertain.

Dalot agreed a season-long move to Milan in October, and has since made 15 appearances in all competitions.

He will hope to add to that tally against his parent club in the first leg of a Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday evening.

Asked for his thoughts on the player ahead of that game, Pioli said: “We’re really pleased with his performances and the way he’s developed as a player.

“It’s my job to focus on Serie A and the Europa League, it’s not up to me to decide what his future maybe when we reach the end of the season.”

United come into the tie full of confidence after ending Manchester City’s 21-game winning streak during the sides’ weekend derby meeting.

Pioli said of that performance: “Very impressed indeed, it was a terrific victory against a fantastic City team on the back of 21 consecutive victories.

“United deserved to win, they played with intensity and quality, we’ve looked at that game and learned from it.”