Manchester United: Romano reveals Erik ten Hag’s stance on Diogo Dalot

Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot is “really appreciated” by manager Erik ten Hag despite uncertainty surrounding his future.

That’s according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel discussing the latest news regarding the club’s current transfer plans.

23-year-old Dalot shared responsibilities with Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back last season, making 29 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, 19 of which were Premier League starts as he emerged as a favourite under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Old Trafford officials value Dalot at €25m (£21.4m) and would be open to selling him if a suitable proposal arrived, with Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid all interested, but the report did seem to suggest that United were more open to offloading Wan-Bissaka as opposed to Dalot – and Romano has strongly claimed that the Portuguese defender has a future in Manchester.

He said: “You have Diogo Dalot, that is really appreciated by Erik ten Hag, I’m told, so I see him staying. 

“He had some approaches again from Atletico Madrid. They wanted him last summer, last January, and they’re always trying for Diogo Dalot. But at the moment, Erik ten Hag is super happy with him and wants to keep him at the club, so it’s going to be a complicated deal for any club interested in him.”

TIF Thoughts on Dalot staying at United…

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It had been claimed just this month that Man United could sanction the sale of Dalot, so this would be some turnaround if what Romano is saying is true.

Heading into the final 12 months of his contract, you could see why Dalot may be let go, however, during his run of games last term, he showed what he could do for the club – offensively at least, as he was called out by Rio Ferdinand alongside Harry Maguire and Wan-Bissaka for their role in the “embarrassing” 4-0 defeat at Liverpool back in April and “not following” his man, perhaps showing that his defensive acumen needs improving.

However, compared to his right-back partner, United would be as well to keep the 5-cap Portugal international around and he is perhaps less expendable.

Last season, Dalot tackled 61.4% of those who attempted to dribble beyond him compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 38.9% (as per FBRef) and was involved in five moves that led to a goal, whereas his teammate was involved in just one.