Jose Mourinho has hailed new Manchester United signing Diogo Dalot as the best full-back in Europe in his age group and is confident he has all the attributes to be a success at Old Trafford.
Dalot had been strongly linked with a move to United over the past week, with reports claiming his €20million release clause had been met.
United confirmed the deal on Wednesday after both parties agreed terms on a five-year contract which has the option for a further 12 months.
And, despite featuring just six times in the Primeira Liga in 2017-18, 19-year-old Dalot is expected to go straight into United s first-team squad, initially as back-up to Antonio Valencia.
But in the long run, Mourinho has high expectations for the full-back.
Diogo is an extremely talented young defender with all the qualities to quickly become a great player for this club, Mourinho told the club s official website.
A must-read interview with on how it feels to be a Red!
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
He has all the attributes that a full-back needs: physicality, tactical intelligence and technical quality, combined with a Porto academy mentality which prepares players for the maturity they need at the professional level.
In his age group, he is the best full-back in Europe and we all believe he has a bright future ahead of him at Manchester United.
For Dalot, the move sees him leave familiar surroundings, but a switch to United was an offer he could not refuse.
Joining Manchester United is an unbelievable opportunity for me, Dalot said. I have grown up in Porto s academy and I am so thankful for everything they have done for me.
But the chance of coming to the biggest club in the world is something I just couldn t turn down.
I m excited about working with Jose Mourinho and learning everything I can from such a successful coach. I am looking forward to playing alongside the fantastic players in the squad.
