Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence and influence have led to a Manchester United star becoming “more obsessed” with improving one all-important area in his footballing career.
The 39-year-old Manchester United legend returned to Old Trafford in 2021 after the Red Devils signed him from Serie A side Juventus for a £12.8m fee.
Cristiano Ronaldo made an impact in his second spell at United after he scored an impressive 24 times in 38 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2021-22 season.
However, the Portuguese forward fell down the pecking order after the arrival of Erik ten Hag, who replaced United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as club manager.
Ronaldo felt unfairly treated in the 2022-23 season and the United legend pulled no punches during a bombshell interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner took aim at Erik ten Hag during his interview, along with the Glazers and former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldo’s contract with United was terminated by mutual agreement in 2022 and the ex-Red Devils star went on to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in 2023.
Ronaldo builds Man Utd star’s ‘obsession’ further
Cristiano Ronaldo had an impact on Manchester United players during his second spell at Old Trafford, including Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot.
Diogo Dalot has impressed in the current season under Erik ten Hag and underwent a resurgence in form, with the United star earning plaudits for his performances.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has been an ever-present figure in the United backline amid Ten Hag dealing with injuries to his defenders across the season.
Dalot has made 49 appearances across all competitions this season, with the United full-back scoring three times and registering five assists.
The United star, who has played at both left-back and right-back this season, revealed that he has become “more obsessed” with his preparation for matches.
Dalot insisted that he is keen to have himself “physically and mentally” ready for matches, with Ronaldo’s influence playing its part in his ‘obsession.’
“I’ve become a bit more obsessed about being physically and mentally available for every game,” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“During the early stages of my career I had some problems with injuries so that was something that was consuming me because the first step for you being able to play is being available.
“So I became a little bit more obsessed, especially after meeting Cristiano and spending a lot of time with him – having this obsession about being available.”
Man Utd star Dalot reveals his ‘secret’
Dalot’s impressive campaign with United led to him being named the Players’ Player of the Year for the 2023-24 season.
However, the Portugal defender did miss out on the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award to United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Dalot has admitted that he believes the “secret” to his success has been achieving a level of consistency, including improving certain aspects of his life off the pitch.
“I think the secret is being consistent, doing it every single day, which I think is the most difficult thing,” he added.
“The thing I’ve changed most is the consistency. I’ve been doing all these things – the sleeping patterns, the nutrition, the recovery – everything that envelopes this.”