Diogo Dalot Names Surprising Five-a-Side Team Leaving Out Marcus Rashford and Picking Anthony Martial Based on Training Brilliance at Manchester United

Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot has shaken up expectations by naming his ultimate five-a-side team — and leaving out long-time teammate Marcus Rashford.

Speaking candidly on the Rio Ferdinand Presents, Dalot opted instead to include a £58 million flop in Anthony Martial, praising the French forward for his extraordinary skills in training.

Dalot, 26, who has been a mainstay for United this season with 163 appearances for the club, explained that while both Rashford and Martial are supremely talented, Martial’s brilliance in practice tipped the scales in his five-a-side selection.

Martial Over Rashford: The Training Factor

Dalot highlighted Martial’s technical ability and unpredictability during training sessions as the reason for his choice.

“He could do things that made you want to blow the whistle and stop training,” Dalot said.

He noted that Martial’s inconsistency in matches could be frustrating, but when focused, “he could be the best player in the world, easily.”

The conversation also referenced former Man United manager Michael Carrick, who once said Martial had the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.

Dalot recounted that training alongside Martial was “unbelievable” and compared it to moments with Juan Mata, who also displayed incredible quality.

Martial joined United from Monaco in 2015, scoring 63 goals in 209 games but never fully reaching his potential at the club.

After loans to Sevilla and a stint with AEK Athens in 2024, he now plays for Monterrey in Mexico, demonstrating that while his career has been a rollercoaster, his talent remains undeniable.

The Rest of Dalot’s Dream Squad

Dalot didn’t stop at Martial. His five-a-side team features a mix of current and former teammates:

• Pepe on the backline, praised for his calm demeanor off the pitch and ferocity in training.

• Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, combining physicality, skill, and leadership. Dalot noted that Bruno is “definitely one of the best players in the Premier League” and praised Pogba for his all-around qualities and sense of humor.

• Up front, Dalot picked Cristiano Ronaldo, a choice he called obvious given the Portuguese legend’s impact.

Dalot emphasized that the selection considered both performance in games and training ground brilliance, giving insight into what he values in teammates beyond matchday statistics.

Dalot’s Perspective on Rashford

Though Rashford didn’t make the cut, Dalot clarified that it wasn’t about lack of talent.

“Rashford could be anything he wants,” he said.

The decision boiled down to Martial’s edge in training moments where his skill set was unmatched.

Dalot’s comments offer a fascinating look behind the scenes at Manchester United, revealing how training performances can shape perceptions of greatness, even over stars who shine on matchdays.

What’s next?

Dalot and United will turn their focus to the pitch, with the Portuguese defender set to feature in an away fixture against Everton on Monday night.

Fans will be watching closely to see if the players Dalot praised — Martial included, now abroad — inspire the same kind of awe in competitive matches as they did in training.

Summary

Diogo Dalot, Manchester United defender, has shared his dream five-a-side team, leaving out longtime teammate Marcus Rashford in favor of former £58 million forward Anthony Martial.

Dalot praised Martial’s extraordinary skill and unpredictability in training, despite his inconsistent match performances.

His team also includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, and Pepe, reflecting a mix of current and former stars he’s played with.

Dalot clarified Rashford’s exclusion was not due to lack of talent, but Martial’s edge in training moments.

The defender will next play for United in their away match against Everton.