Man Utd have new MVP in Dalot as Ten Hag reaps rewards from fine form

Ronaldo returns to Man Utd training after being dropped

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Erik ten Hag perhaps never thought he would need to thank Jose Mourinho for helping his revolution take shape at Manchester United, but the rebirth of Diogo Dalot, a player who has quietly become one of the Dutchman’s ‘MVPs’ in the team, suggests he should be grateful. Dalot has been a regular starter under the former Ajax coach this season and capped his impressive recent form with a goal in a 3-0 success over FC Sheriff in the Europa League on Thursday.

The 23-year-old has started all 16 of United’s matches this season, including 11 in the Premier League, with Ten Hag clearly preferring the Portuguese to out-of-favour right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And Ten Hag’s faith has been rewarded with some stellar displays, with only Casemiro (25) making more tackles than the Portugal international’s 20.

It marks another step in Dalot’s rise to prominence at Old Trafford after spending years on the periphery under previous bosses Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

According to ESPN, Dalot made a special effort across pre-season to ensure he was in the best shape possible to impress Ten Hag and perform for United. That included using part of his holiday back in his native Portugal to work with a nutritionist and physio to ensure he stayed in a healthy condition.

On the fitness side, he worked with a personal trainer to improve his agility and speed and it seems to have paid off given Dalot’s increased top speed. His new level of fitness has given him the ability to carry out Ten Hag’s specific instructions for his defenders, with the 52-year-old pushing both full-backs high up the pitch and demanding creativity.

“He likes offensive full-backs,” Dalot said of the former Ajax boss. “He likes proactive full-backs, so we have to always think a little bit ahead of what the game is asking, not be like feeling the game when the ball is on the other side.”

Some critics argued that Mourinho paid over the odds for Dalot at £19m back in 2017, given he was just 19 at the time and had only made eight senior appearances for Porto.

DON’T MISS

Furious Ronaldo loses cool after Man Utd goal ruled out vs Sheriff
Man Utd boss Ten Hag’s furious reaction to Antony tricks vs Sheriff
What Ronaldo would have to pay to end Man Utd nightmare

But he came highly recommended by the Portuguese tactician when they clinched his signing, who labelled him the “best full-back for his age group” at the time, only for Mourinho to be sacked a year later.

Injuries hampered Dalot in his early years with the Red Devils and he played only 11 times in his second season at the club.

Those fitness issues were thought to have been linked to growing pains, however, and he has been able to put together a run of games in the first team after making 30 appearances last season.

While some figures may credit Ralf Rangnick for giving Dalot a chance to win back his place in 2021-22, the right-back has pointed to his loan spell at AC Milan in 2020-21 as the reason behind his transformation.

“If I’m a better defender I owe it to Milan,” he said. “Italian football is different from the Premier League and I had to adapt in just one year and playing in Serie A has helped me a lot.”

Some may insist Ten Hag has had some part in facilitating Dalot’s rise in Manchester. But the Dutch coach might not care too much, just as long as he contines to thrive in his team as they push for a top-four finish.

Source: Read Full Article