Diogo Dalot is “very happy at Manchester United” and looks set to be part of Erik ten Hag’s ambitious Old Trafford overhaul.
That’s according to the full-back’s agent, who looks set to keep his place at the starting right-back under the new manager. Dalot usurped Aaron Wan-Bissaka as United’s right sided full-back last term and put in consistent performances, despite the team’s wretched season.
Ten Hag, fresh off a title-winning season with Ajax is now ready to run the rule over his entire Red Devils squad, with a string of departures already confirmed. Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard will all be leaving this summer, in what promises to be one of the most important windows in the club’s recent history.
And there has been much conjecture over what Ten Hag intends to do with United’s leaky defence and in particular deciding between Dalot and £50million signing Wan Bissaka. But the signs look positive for the Portugal international amid speculation that his positional rival could complete a return to Crystal Palace in the upcoming window.
Roma have also been linked with both players, with Jose Mourinho plotting a raid on his former club. Mourinho once described his compatriot as ‘the next Gary Neville’, but according to Dalot’s agent Carlos Goncalves - he is more than content to stay where he is.
"He [Dalot] is very happy at Manchester United," he told 101 Great Goals via Manchester Evening News. "The season went well for him personally, but obviously, it didn’t go well for Manchester United given the club’s expectations. But we are expecting Diogo to stay for next season, for sure."
Dalot made 30 appearances in all competitions last term and was the undoubted first-choice under interim boss Ralf Rangnick. But he is happy to battle for his spot again and is excited to impress a manager which arrives at Old Trafford with a reputation for playing free flowing and attacking football.
"It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity to work with such a great manager," said Dalot. "His work at Ajax is outstanding. I think everybody falls in love with the attractive football he has played with that Ajax team.
“I’m sure we are going to be very happy to have him here and to start to work with him. Hopefully, like I said, we can finish the [next] season fighting for trophies and being there with hunger and competing with the other teams. But we are going step by step, we’re going to start well and hopefully, next season, can do better than this one.”
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The 23-year-old looks set to be given the starting berth thanks to his attacking capabilities and he’s looking forward to continue to adapt under Ten Hag.
“I think the full-back position has been growing a lot in terms of the game plan and the inside of the game," Diogo added. "For me, it has been a very good journey, to have different coaches with different ideas, so I can adapt to every situation.
“I’m sure, with the new manager, I will try to adapt quick and show I can help this team and this club. I think that’s the mentality everyone will have, to play, because, at the end of the day, we want to play but, first is the team.”
