Erik ten Hag urges Man Utd player to keep ‘developing’ amid transfer speculation

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has urged Diogo Dalot to keep ‘developing’ as the full-back looks to carry on his impressive start to the season. The Portugal international has enjoyed plenty of game time under his new manager and has made 17 appearances in all competitions this term, 12 of which have come in the league.

Dalot, 23, has been the subject of transfer speculation this week. The Sun claim that European giants Barcelona and AC Milan are interested in signing him so United want to extend his contract to fend off potential suitors.

His current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season and he is currently due to become a free agent next June. However, it appears Ten Hag is a big fan of his and he has had this to say about his trusted defender to the official club website: “I hope Diogo keeps progressing, so not only sticking to this level. Our approach, our philosophy, is that good is not good enough. We have to do better.

“But we’re happy with the development and the performances of Diogo, that’s quite clear. I know that every club among the top elite clubs needs competition and I think we can replace him, with Victor Lindelof, with Tyrell Malacia and luckily also Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the squad.

“We have replacements and it’s clear, it’s heavy when you have to play every game. Physically, he’s got a really good profile and I’m sure he will keep going and he will keep developing. That is what we demand, and I am confident he will do that.”

United landed Dalot back in 2018 from Porto but hasn’t all been plain sailing for him in England. He initially struggled to make an impact and was loaned out to AC Milan during the 2020/21 campaign to get some game time under his belt and boost his confidence.

Since his return, he has established himself a key player and has made the right-back spot over recent times despite having strong competition for his position.