Erik ten Hag makes Diogo Dalot feelings clear amid Barcelona transfer interest

Manchester United are ready to trigger a one-year extension in Diogo Dalot’s contract which will keep him at Old Trafford.

The right-back has established himself as first choice under Erik ten Hag but his deal is due to expire in the summer. The club have the option of extending that by a further 12 months, which they are set to do amid interest from Barcelona.

Dalot, who joined United in 2018, has struggled to nail down a regular spot but last season was able to dislodge Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the first-team. He has retained his spot under Ten Hag, who looks ready to keep the Portuguese star on board, according to ESPN.

United remain a club in transition and more new faces are expected to arrive next summer, but handing Dalot a contract extension suggests he remains part of the manager’s plan, at least in the short-term. The 23-year-old has commented on Ten Hag’s approach earlier in his tenure.

He said in the summer: “It’s very good. I really like the dynamic that he shows, not just in training but in general. Very demanding, pays a lot of attention to detail, which is good, and small details that that can make a difference in the long perspective. We want to build a team together with players, together with staff, build something very good inside in between us and then do our job on the pitch and win games.”

Dalot has started in all eight of United’s games thus far as they look to build under Ten Hag. The right-back was part of a defence that was cut apart by the likes of Brentford and Manchester City, but the Red Devils have won five of their past six games.

The Portuguese star, who is set to be part of his country’s World Cup efforts, previously had to go out on loan to AC Milan to further his development. Dalot was able to dislodge Wan-Bissaka in the starting XI under Ralf Rangnick and has continued to grow in stature.

“I always try to step up a little bit each game, but I’d like to say in general I’ve been playing good, in my opinion,” he said back in March. “I’m growing in every aspect of my game and I’m trying to get that consistency that will give me more time on the pitch. Obviously getting more minutes from this club, that’s what I wanted since I came here. I want to combine that with good results in the team and help the team get a result as well.”