Manchester United’s full-back Diogo Dalot is turning a new page as he’s officially switched squad numbers ahead of the upcoming season!

Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot has thrilled supporters by donning the legendary **”No. 2″** jersey for the 2025/26 campaign, a decision that reflects his increasing status within the team under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese defender, who had worn **”No. 20″** since joining from Porto in 2018, took over the number following Victor Lindelöf’s exit in the summer of 2025. Revealed on July 10, 2025, as United kicked off their pre-season at Carrington, the change in squad number marks Dalot’s rise as a central figure in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, where he has flourished as a right wing-back.

The **”No. 2″** shirt, previously donned by United greats such as Gary Neville and Denis Irwin, carries historical importance, and Dalot’s appointment shows the faith both Amorim and the club have in him to help lead the team’s revival after a difficult 2024/25 season.

Dalot’s switch to **”No. 2″** comes at a crucial juncture for United, who are seeking a comeback following a record-low 15th-place Premier League finish last year. The 26-year-old, who recently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, has proven to be one of the few players well-suited to Amorim’s tactical blueprint.

With his pace, defensive strength, and attacking contributions from the wing-back position, Dalot has become a fixture in the side, starting 35 matches across all competitions last year.

In early pre-season sessions, Dalot has stood out, with reports from Carrington highlighting his influence during training and his vocal leadership within a team undergoing major changes.

His adaptability—able to function both as a conventional full-back and an advanced wing-back—has been vital in Amorim’s pressing and possession-based strategy, which depends on active wide players to stretch the field and assist offensively.

Handing Dalot the **”No. 2″** also carries symbolic importance, placing him in line with the club’s rich tradition of elite defenders. Gary Neville, the jersey’s most iconic wearer, embodied steadiness and leadership—qualities Dalot is beginning to mirror.

Last season, Dalot delivered three assists and netted once in the league, including a decisive delivery in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in December 2024. His stats—2.1 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game—underscore his dependability, and his 87% pass accuracy reflects his confidence in Amorim’s system that emphasizes playing out from the back.

United icon Ryan Giggs recently acknowledged Dalot’s versatility, stating in a May 2025 interview that players like him and Lisandro Martinez are **“the perfect fit”** for Amorim’s tactical model, in contrast to others who find the 3-4-2-1 setup more challenging.

Nonetheless, this number switch happens during a turbulent period for United. The club is under financial strain, following a £113 million loss in 2023/24 and the costs related to parting ways with Erik ten Hag and hiring Amorim, restricting their ability to add reinforcements.

With possible exits for key names like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, Dalot’s reliability becomes increasingly significant.

His new shirt number also suggests a long-term vision, with his current deal running through 2028. Supporters see it as a potential turning point for the right-back spot, which has lacked consistency since Neville’s departure.

As the Red Devils gear up for both their Premier League return and a Europa League journey, Dalot’s blend of leadership and flexibility will be essential in meeting Amorim’s high tactical standards and steering the clu

b back to top-tier contention.