Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that Diogo Dalot deserves credit for his performances for the club during the 2023-24 campaign.
The 25-year-old has been one of the team's most consistent performers during a tough season, featuring on 49 occasions in all competitions, scoring three times and registering five assists in the process.
Dalot scored his second Premier League goal of the campaign in his side's 2-0 success over Brighton & Hove Albion on the final matchday of the season.
The Portugal international has only missed two league matches this term, being an unused substitute against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the team's opening game of the campaign, before being forced to sit out the clash with West Ham United on December 23 through suspension.
Dalot's availability has also been key in a season where the Red Devils have struggled to keep defenders fit.
© Reuters
Ten Hag hails Dalot for his form this season
Ten Hag was asked about Dalot following the clash with Brighton, and the Dutchman was full of praise for the full-back.
"It is about making overloads in midfield and, from there on, he is a very good runner in behind, he can do it from left and right full-back," he told reporters.
"He can attack from there but also in the centre areas and on wide areas, by bringing crosses in. He is a player who has developed as a full-back, and not as just as a full-back, but also as an inverted one too. I think his development has been very good this season and we are very pleased with him."
According to WhoScored, Dalot made two tackles and had a pass completion rate of 87% against Brighton, with 33 of his 38 passes finding a teammate.
© Reuters
Dalot should be untouchable for Man United this summer
It is no secret that players will leave Man United this summer, and there would not be a shortage of interest in Dalot if it became apparent that he could potentially leave.
The Portuguese is a player the Red Devils should be looking to build around, though, as he has undoubtedly been one of their most consistent players this season.
Dalot has been forced to operate as a left-back on a number of occasions this season due to Man United's injury problems, and that was again the case against Brighton.
However, he should return to right-back next term, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia potentially both being available at left-back, while another player is also expected to arrive in that area of the field.
Dalot penned a new deal with the club in March 2023, with his contract running until June 2028, and it is clear that he should be a vital part of a new era at Old Trafford.
