It’s been nearly a month since the football world was shaken by the tragic passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, and his Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot is still coming to terms with the loss.
Jota, along with his brother André Silva, lost their lives in a devastating car crash in northern Spain while traveling back to Merseyside for pre-season.
The news sent shockwaves through fans, players, and clubs alike.
Dalot Opens Up About the Pain
Speaking emotionally after Manchester United’s win against Bournemouth in Chicago, Dalot shared how deeply the tragedy affected him.
“It’s incredibly hard to talk about,” he said. “It was heartbreaking for me and for anyone who had the chance to play with Jota.
I can’t imagine what his family is going through. I met them, and honestly, words just fail in moments like this.”
He added that the grief wasn’t just limited to those who knew Jota personally.
“It hit everyone—fans, teammates, people across the world.
Even if they didn’t know him, they felt it,” he explained.
A Tribute That Lives On
Dalot, along with Portugal captain Bruno Fernandes and head coach Ruben Amorim, visited a memorial set up for Jota at Anfield just days after the tragedy.
While on tour in the U.S., Dalot said he spotted fans wearing Jota’s name on shirts. “That says it all.
He’ll never be forgotten. He wasn’t just a great player—he was a selfless teammate and a role model who always put the team first.”
Injury Updates Boost Amorim’s Pre-Season Plans
On a more hopeful note for United fans, manager Ruben Amorim received some good news this week with three key players—Lisandro Martinez, Joshua Zirkzee, and Andre Onana—progressing well in their injury recoveries.
Martinez, sidelined since February with a knee injury, is now running and working with the ball, though he’s not back in full training yet.
Zirkzee, who had a minor knock, is already back on the pitch after pushing through a hamstring issue to feature in May’s Europa League final.
“I’ve got great physios working with me daily,” said Zirkzee. “I’m feeling positive. It’s nothing serious.”
As for Onana, who injured his hamstring earlier in pre-season, he’s been training in goal—though still under non-contact restrictions.
There’s optimism he might return in United’s final friendly before the Premier League kicks off.
What’s Going On with Onana’s Future?
Despite his ongoing recovery, questions linger about Onana’s long-term place at Old Trafford.
United reportedly quoted Monaco £30 million to secure him permanently and even looked into loaning Emi Martinez from Aston Villa, but that move was turned down.
For now, Onana remains the club’s No.1 option heading into the new season.
Shaw and Hojlund Join the Fun—Barefoot
On a lighter note, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund took a break from the serious stuff and joined kids in a barefoot football match at Chicago Fire’s community facility.
“It was something like 12-10,” Shaw laughed. “I managed to keep my feet intact though.”
Shaw also opened up about how Amorim’s leadership has improved the overall energy around the team, especially after months of dealing with injuries and what he described as a once “toxic” environment.
Maguire’s Legal Case Gets a Trial Date—Finally
Five years after his infamous arrest in Mykonos, Harry Maguire now has a date set for his retrial—October 8, 2025.
He was initially found guilty of assaulting police and attempted bribery, a verdict he has always denied.
Delays caused by lawyers’ strikes and scheduling conflicts had postponed the case multiple times.
It’s understood Maguire won’t need to attend the court in person, which is just as well—England plays Wales the very next day.
Playing It Safe with Maguire
Maguire arrived in the U.S. slightly later than his teammates but has already seen game time during the tour.
Amorim confirmed he’s managing Maguire’s minutes carefully due to some fatigue issues from off-season training.
“It’s nothing major,” said Amorim. “We’re just being cautious to make sure everyone’s fit and ready.”
United’s Foundation Spreads Joy in Houston
While the first team is stationed in Chicago, Manchester United’s Foundation is representing the club in Houston, taking part in the Genuine Cup—a global tournament for players with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Twelve young men and women from Greater Manchester, all part of United’s inclusion programs, are proudly wearing the badge and spreading the club’s message of community and unity.