Ten Hag has already made his mind up about one Man Utd defender – report | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag is yet to officially take charge of Manchester United, with his Ajax side set to play their final game of the season on Sunday as they wrap up a third consecutive title-winning campaign.

The Dutchman will take over from Ralf Rangnick at the end of this season and he’s set to oversee the busiest summer in modern history for Manchester United.

Wholesale changes to the squad are expected, with up to ten players potentially leaving the club. Full-back is an area of concern to supporters but according to reports, Ten Hag has already made his mind up on one of United’s wide defenders.

That’s according to O Jogo, via Sport Witness, who say that Diogo Dalot, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, is ‘firm’ in Ten Hag’s plans ahead of next season. Furthermore, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes are also reportedly in the same category.

As per the report, Dalot’s ability to play on either side is appealing and the Dutchman reportedly trusts Dalot’s capabilities – a huge boost in the Portugal international’s hopes of penning a new contract.

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It is, however, a big blow for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has endured a tough third season at the club and is now the subject of departure rumours.

The former Crystal Palace star has lost his place to Dalot in recent months, with Rangnick showing very little faith in the Englishman.

SN’s verdict… In a summer where a large focus will be placed on securing midfielders and strikers, Ten Hag would be wise to minimise the number of changes in the backline.

Dalot is far from the perfect product on United’s right flank but in terms of the player profile, he fits the bill and would likely adapt better to Ten Hag’s style, as opposed to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who fitted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s approach better.

Dalot impressed in his season-long loan at Milan last season and earned himself a call-up for the Portugal national team, where he has since become a regular. Clearly, there is a good player in there and it’s now up to Ten Hag to capture that talent.