Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag believes Diogo Dalot will continue “progressing” and “developing,” despite the defender’s excellent performance for the Red Devils this season.
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure as manager last November, the Portugal international has been Man United’s first-choice right-back, starting all 17 of his team’s matches this season, scoring once and assisting twice.
The 23-year-old showed off his defensive skills with a man-of-the-match performance against West Ham United on Sunday, but his future at Old Trafford is uncertain, with the full-back’s current contract set to expire next June.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and AC Milan are said to be among the teams interested in the Portuguese, who recently stated that talks over a potential new contract at Old Trafford could wait.
The Sun reports that the 20-time English champions are preparing to activate a one-year extension in the defender’s contract to prevent him from holding discussions with foreign clubs in January.
According to the report, Dalot’s agent, Carlos Goncalves, is in ‘constant dialogue’ with Man United over a potential new deal, with the club desperate to keep him.
Dalot is currently in Spain with his squad, preparing for Thursday’s Europa League match against Real Sociedad.
See Also: Barcelona Veteran Could Leave In January, Aware Of Situation
What Did Ten Hag Say On Diogo Dalot?
Ten Hag was questioned about the former Porto youngster before the match against the Basque side, and the Dutchman believes he will improve as he gains more experience.
“I hope he 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,” Ten Hag told reporters.
“We’re happy with the development and the performances of Diogo so it’s quite clear. But I know that every club in the top elite clubs need 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.
“So we have replacements but it’s clear, it’s heavy when you have to play every game but 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.”
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