Man Utd: Ten Hag ‘really likes’ £19m fringe star at Old Trafford | OneFootball

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag ‘really likes’ defender Diogo Dalot, according to reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano.

Dalot established himself as the Red Devils’ first-choice right-back halfway through last season and will be looking to cement that status now that Ten Hag has taken over the reins.

What is the latest news involving Man Utd?

Several changes in personnel are expected to take place at Old Trafford over the coming months as their new leader makes his mark on the first-team squad.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani have already announced their departures, while several other players could follow in their footsteps.

And one underwhelming performer who could be forced to seek pastures new this summer is Aaron Wan-Bissaka after he fell down the United pecking order last term.

Wan-Bissaka has reportedly been informed he is free to find a new club after being deemed surplus to requirements in the red half of Manchester.

That has led to Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries being linked with a move to United as Ten Hag looks for an alternative option capable of carrying out his specific style of play.

What has Romano said about Dalot?

Romano informed GiveMeSport that he is ‘sure’ Dumfries has the potential to be a ‘good signing’ for United but also revealed Dalot is highly regarded by Ten Hag and is set to compete for a spot in the starting XI.

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He told GMS: “I’m sure that he would be a potentially good signing for Premier League clubs, for Manchester United in this case, but at the same point, I want to remind you that Diogo Dalot is a player that Erik ten Hag really likes.

“So, I’m sure that Dalot will be in competition with any right-back to be the real starter of this team.”

Does Dalot deserve a place in the starting XI?

Dalot has struggled for game time since arriving from boyhood club FC Porto in a £19 million deal back in June 2018, racking up just four goal contributions in 65 appearances for United.

However, a successful season-long loan switch to Serie A giants AC Milan throughout 2020/21 revived the 23-year-old’s stuttering career.

It led to Dalot overtaking Wan-Bissaka in the United hierarchy last term, with the Portugal international making 30 outings and starting nine of the club’s last 10 Premier League fixtures.

Whether Dalot has done enough to become the 20-time English champions’ first-choice right-back on a permanent basis remains to be seen, but he surely deserves a chance to showcase his credentials to Ten Hag.