Dalot delighted to be back on track

Diogo Dalot insists he is over a tough couple of months, watching on from the sidelines, as he aims to help Manchester United put on a good run before the mid-season break next month.

The Reds entertain Burnley at Old Trafford before an Emirates FA Cup tie at the weekend, remarkably with the opponents still to be decided. Tranmere Rovers and Watford's rearranged third-round replay takes place on Thursday at Prenton Park.

Following the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Manchester City on 29 January, with the Blues currently leading 3-1, we have a home fixture in the Premier League against familiar rivals in the shape of Wolves, on the first day of February.

Dalot had been sidelined since the game at Newcastle United in early October but returned as a substitute in the 0-0 draw at Wolves in the FA Cup earlier this month.

He also came off the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend and is capable of providing options on both flanks, sometimes further up the field than his usual full-back slot.

With Ashley Young sold to Inter Milan, there could certainly be plenty of opportunities for the 20-year-old in the coming weeks and months.

"“It’s what I’ve been working for,”" he told us about his return. "“It was a tough two months for me. Unfortunately, I got an injury I wasn’t expecting. But I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m ready to go again."

"“For a player to be out injured and not be able to help the team, especially when the results are not so good it’s the worst moment for a player. And you’re just focused on recovering as fast as you can and that’s what I made sure I did this time. I took my time to get fit and now I’m just waiting for the opportunity.”"

Dalot was able to enjoy watching his team-mates pull off some fine wins, such as the two victories in a week last year over Tottenham and Manchester City, which gave him a lift during his rehabilitation.

"“When you see the team doing well, it helps you get through the injury as well because you’re feeling good and feeling happy for the team,”" he added. "“That really helps you when you’re recovering.”"