‘The best’ - Manchester United fans react as Diogo Dalot benched by Portugal despite scoring twice in last game

At first glance, Manchester United supporters were bemused by Diogo Dalot’s omission from Portugal’s Nations League line-up against Spain.

The defender had netted twice against the Czech Republic the last time out as the team ended 4-0 winners. But Reds fans quickly pointed to a major positive about his absence.

Dalot ’s game has enhanced under Erik ten Hag and he has produced consistency that is being lauded by supporters. He has started every Premier League game this season, grabbing two assists already after recording none last campaign.

READ MORE: Manchester United star Diogo Dalot reacts after scoring his first goals for Portugal

He's overtaken Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the Manchester United pecking order to cement his place as the club's first-choice right-back and continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Barring injury, the 23-year-old will almost certainly be on the plane for the World Cup and is making a case to stake a place in the starting XI for Portugal alongside club teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. On Tuesday evening, though, he made way in his national side's starting line-up for Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo.

Despite the blow, United fans have been seeing this as a positive though, with Sunday’s Manchester derby only five days away. Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo started the clash against Spain but supporters on Twitter were pleased their only-favoured right-back was rested.

Here's what fans have been saying on social media:

@mufc_cibijs: He’s rested for the City game.

@WijiSeto27: The best RB rested for the bigger game.

@RedDevilize: Dalot on the bench. Won’t complain.

@therealnathandc: It's good, so he can be rested for the Manchester derby.

@UtdRam_: Good for us