13 February 2023 , 06:30
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Erik ten Hag wants to build a squad that’s capable of winning trophies for Manchester United.
The Dutchman has already signed the likes of Casemiro, Antony and Christian Eriksen to improve his side. Two transfer windows into his tenure, there are still some players he would like to see the back of. For sure, Diogo Dalot does not fall into that category.
The Portugal international, 23, has impressed for United since displacing Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the starting XI last season. Although Dalot’s contract expires in June 2024, Ten Hag will be confident of retaining his services after Sunday’s 2-0 win against Leeds.
Dalot had a tricky afternoon at Elland Road. Leeds’ exciting winger Wilfried Gnonto kept the defender on his toes throughout, and he was left frustrated when his long-range effort slammed into the crossbar. Dalot made way for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the 73rd minute.
At that point, it seemed as if Dalot’s afternoon was done. Yet there was a moment when Marcus Rashford's header found the net that caught the eye. Dalot was the only United player on the bench to jump to his feet and celebrate next to a delighted Ten Hag.
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Most visiting stars simply cheered from the bench, but Dalot rejoiced zealously at Rashford’s breakthrough. It was a moment that showed just how he really feels about United and suggested that his time in Ten Hag’s squad will carry on beyond this summer.
Diogo Dalot supported his team-mates from the bench (Getty Images)Do you think Diogo Dalot will sign a new contract at Manchester United? Let us know in the comments below!
Dalot should be applauded for his attitude. When he made way for Wan-Bissaka, he sprinted off the pitch and shook hands with his replacement and Ten Hag. He did not huff and puff - he accepted the decision and supported his colleagues from the bench.
Dalot’s impressive attitude should come as no surprise after the comments Cristiano Ronaldo made during his ill-fated interview with Piers Morgan. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner infamously slammed United’s young stars, but praised Dalot for his professionalism.
"If you ask me what I see in Man Utd... Diogo Dalot is an example," said Ronaldo. "He is young, but he is very, very professional. And I’m not doubting that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and is very professional."
Ronaldo was scathing about the rest of United's youngsters. He went on to say: "Their mentality, they are not the same. They have not suffered. "Their hunger. I think they have things more easily. They don’t suffer. They don’t care."
In the coming months, Dalot must decide whether to remain a part of Ten Hag’s squad. Several top European clubs will be interested in signing the defender, and United may decide to cash in on him in the summer if he refuses to sign a new deal by then.
Although there remains a lot of uncertainty about Dalot’s future, his actions during United’s win on Sunday spoke volumes. Ten Hag will be hoping he signs on the dotted line.