Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot recently became the center of attention — not because of his performance on the pitch, but due to an unusual incident that unfolded outside Old Trafford. The Portuguese defender, known for his professionalism and friendly demeanor, made headlines after taking a firm stance during a fan interaction ahead of a pre-season friendly against Fiorentina.
A Friendly Gesture With Clear Boundaries
As he greeted fans before the match, Dalot happily signed a variety of items — from matchday programs and photographs to full Manchester United jerseys. However, when presented with loose shirt numbers (the kind often sold separately to be applied to jerseys later), the 25-year-old politely but firmly declined.
For some supporters, it was a surprising move. For others, it was a statement of principle.
Why Dalot’s Decision Earned Praise
Many fans quickly took to social media to defend Dalot’s stance, arguing that loose shirt numbers with autographs are often resold at inflated prices by memorabilia traders. For these supporters, Dalot’s refusal wasn’t about arrogance — it was about protecting the authenticity of genuine fan interactions.
“Respect to Dalot — autograph scalpers have gone too far,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan added, “Most players stopped signing loose numbers years ago because they know they’ll just end up on eBay. Dalot is still happy to sign other items — that says a lot.”
But Not Everyone Was Impressed
Despite the praise, Dalot’s decision also attracted criticism. Some fans argued that as a footballer earning hundreds of thousands of pounds per week, refusing a simple autograph seemed unnecessary.
“He’s on a massive salary and can’t even sign a piece of fabric? That’s just stingy,” one social media comment read.
Others framed it as a matter of privilege — suggesting that players should embrace every interaction with supporters, regardless of the potential for resale.
“They don’t realize how lucky they are to be living that life,” a frustrated fan wrote.
This sparked a counterargument from Dalot’s defenders:
“Being a Premier League player is still a demanding profession. They shouldn’t have to fuel someone else’s profit from their name.”
Dalot’s Journey at Manchester United
Dalot joined Manchester United from FC Porto in 2018 and has since become a reliable figure in the squad. As of this season, he has made over 210 appearances for the Red Devils and recently switched his shirt number from 20 to 2 — a subtle change that reflects his growing importance in the team.
The incident outside Old Trafford has now added a new chapter to Dalot’s relationship with the fans. While the debate continues online, one thing is clear: the defender’s approach to fan engagement is guided by both warmth and principle.
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