Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his admiration for one of his key players this season, revealing that he has instructed the club’s board to reward the standout performer with a lucrative new contract.
As the Dutch tactician works to stabilize the team and push for success in both domestic and European competitions, it’s clear that certain players have caught his eye with their exceptional performances. Surprisingly, the player in question isn’t the club’s high-profile summer signing André Onana or young star Alejandro Garnacho—both of whom have generated significant attention. Instead, ten Hag has singled out a different unsung hero for recognition.
The One Player Deserving a New Contract
After a string of impressive displays early in the season, Erik ten Hag believes that Diogo Dalot deserves a contract extension. The Portuguese right-back has been a key figure for United, quietly contributing with consistently solid performances both defensively and offensively. His ability to balance attacking runs with defensive responsibilities has made him a vital part of ten Hag’s system.
Dalot, who has been at the club since 2018, has steadily improved over the past few seasons. Under ten Hag, he has developed into a reliable and versatile full-back who fits the manager’s tactical blueprint. His improvement has not gone unnoticed, and his recent performances have prompted ten Hag to push for a contract extension that reflects his growing importance to the team.
Dalot’s Impact So Far This Season
While big names like Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and summer signings often dominate the headlines, Dalot has quietly excelled in his role. His performances this season have been characterized by his work rate, defensive resilience, and contributions going forward. As a modern full-back, Dalot is expected to support the attack while also maintaining defensive solidity, a balance that he has managed with increasing effectiveness.
One of Dalot’s standout qualities is his ability to read the game. Whether it’s making crucial tackles, intercepting passes, or overlapping with wingers to create attacking opportunities, the Portuguese international has been a reliable presence on the right flank. His crossing ability has also improved, making him a valuable asset in Manchester United’s attacking play.
In a team that has struggled with consistency, Dalot has been one of the more dependable figures, offering stability in defense while also providing energy and width in attack. Ten Hag’s admiration for Dalot’s professionalism and performance levels is evident in his desire to secure the player’s long-term future at the club.
Ten Hag’s Vision and Trust in Dalot
Erik ten Hag’s decision to push for a contract extension for Dalot reflects the manager’s long-term vision for Manchester United. As he continues to rebuild the squad, ten Hag is placing trust in players who can deliver consistent performances and adapt to his tactical philosophy. Dalot’s development under ten Hag has been a testament to the manager’s ability to improve players and get the best out of them.
By rewarding Dalot with a new deal, ten Hag is sending a clear message: players who perform consistently and contribute to the team’s success will be rewarded. The Dutch manager understands the importance of having a solid defense, and Dalot’s ability to slot seamlessly into both defensive and offensive roles has been a key factor in United’s defensive improvements this season.
Competition for the Right-Back Spot
Diogo Dalot’s impressive form has also intensified the competition for the right-back position at Manchester United. While Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains an option for ten Hag, Dalot’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has given him an edge in the manager’s system. Wan-Bissaka, known for his exceptional tackling, excels defensively but doesn’t offer the same attacking threat as Dalot.
Ten Hag’s desire to reward Dalot with a new contract suggests that the Portuguese international is currently viewed as the first-choice right-back. His ability to adapt to ten Hag’s possession-based style, combined with his attacking contributions, gives him an advantage in the pecking order. This could also signal that ten Hag sees Dalot as a long-term fixture in his tactical setup, further emphasizing the importance of the player to the club’s future success.
Dalot’s Rise at Manchester United
When Diogo Dalot first arrived at Manchester United in 2018 under then-manager José Mourinho, he was viewed as a promising young talent with potential. However, injuries and inconsistent performances in his early years at the club prevented him from truly establishing himself as a regular starter.
It wasn’t until the 2021–2022 season that Dalot began to show glimpses of his potential, particularly after a loan spell at AC Milan, where he gained valuable experience in Serie A. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and later Ralf Rangnick, Dalot began to feature more regularly, but it has been under Erik ten Hag that he has truly blossomed.
Ten Hag’s arrival at Old Trafford has given Dalot the platform to showcase his talents on a consistent basis. The Dutch manager’s faith in Dalot has been rewarded with a series of top-notch performances, which have earned him a starting spot and, now, the prospect of a new contract.
Dalot’s Importance to Manchester United’s Future
As Manchester United looks to build for the future, securing key players on long-term contracts is crucial to ten Hag’s project. Diogo Dalot’s performances this season have demonstrated that he is a player capable of thriving under the manager’s system, and his versatility will be important as United continues to compete on multiple fronts.
Dalot’s new contract, when finalized, will not only be a reward for his hard work but also a statement of intent from Manchester United. The club is focused on building a squad that can compete at the highest levels, and Dalot’s development under ten Hag is a sign that the club is moving in the right direction.
Dalot’s Bright Future at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag’s decision to push for a new contract for Diogo Dalot underscores the player’s growing influence at Manchester United. His performances this season have been nothing short of impressive, and his ability to excel in both defensive and attacking roles makes him an invaluable asset in ten Hag’s tactical system.
As Manchester United continues to evolve under ten Hag’s leadership, securing the future of players like Dalot will be key to the club’s long-term success. While stars like Onana and Garnacho may capture the headlines, it is Dalot’s consistency and quiet excellence that have earned him the trust of his manager—and, soon, a well-deserved new contract.