Dalot speaks for Man Utd when assessing the real impact Ronaldo has made in ill-fated campaign

Diogo Dalot insisted it is obvious what the true impact of Cristiano Ronaldo has been at Manchester United during an ill-fated campaign.

The Red Devils entered the season with high hopes of launching a sustained title challenge. However, it has been the same old story on the domestic front with Manchester City and Liverpool the two clubs in contention to lift the Premier League title.

United’s trophy-less streak will extend into a sixth season next year. What’s more, it’s looking increasingly like they miss out on Champions League qualification too.

Ronaldo’s return last summer was greeted with a hero’s reception. He – along with Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane – were signed with a view to putting Manchester United over the edge after finishing second last year.

And while Ronaldo’s individual statistics stand up – 23 goals in 37 matches – there have been persistent claims he is in fact detrimental to the team.

His inability to press and lack of defensive work-rate have been highlighted on numerous occasions. Debate will rage as to whether what he does offensively supersedes how he negatively impacts the team out of possession.

However, ahead of their Monday night clash with Brentford, fellow Portuguese Diogo Dalot insisted Ronaldo has been a huge plus.

Dalot stated Ronaldo has been “one of the most positive things” in their ill-fated campaign. Furthermore, he stressed Ronaldo’s legendary professionalism and winning mentality has aided those around him.

“I’m sure I speak not just for me but he’s been one of the most positive things about this season,” Dalot told Sky Sports.

“To work with somebody who has his culture of working, his professionalism, his mentality and being close to him now… it’s been very helpful for me