Diogo Dalot explains how Man Utd must adapt to Ten Hag treatment; makes vow over own standards

Diogo Dalot has backed himself to live up to the pressure of being a first-choice player for Manchester United, after vowing to be ready for their new era.

Dalot has been a Manchester United player since 2018. The full-back struggled for gametime in his first couple of seasons before spending 2020-21 on loan with AC Milan. Since his return, he has made 30 appearances in all competitions for his parent club.

There could be more to come this term, given that Dalot appears to be the first-choice right-back under new manager Erik ten Hag as things stand. There are concerns about the form of his competitor Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Therefore, unless a new signing arrives, Dalot could embark on his busiest season as a Manchester United player yet.

The Portugal international believes he will be up to the task, as the club seek to improve in all departments.

Dalot told ESPN: “I feel like I’m a Man Utd player. I want to be ready for the manager, for the club, and every time he needs me I’m going be there.

“I need to show my qualities as well. This is why I came here, to show to this club I’m capable to play many games for this club. This is what I want.

“I think things are going well, but we still have a lot of room for improvement.”

With that in mind, Dalot is prepared for some harsher treatment from Ten Hag than what United have received under recent regimes.

The Dutch tactician began to express some criticism following a recent pre-season friendly draw with Aston Villa. In the aftermath, Dalot has echoed the opinion that Ten Hag must get tough.

He said: “It is discipline. We need to be ready for that, to be ready to hear things that maybe we don’t want to hear. But I think everything is for the greater good of the team and that’s the most important thing.

“We start from scratch; new manager, new staff, new energy, new players coming in and we’re looking forward to playing with them as well. We need to build a team, a staff, a club, everyone together and go forward.”

Diogo Dalot reiterates Cristiano Ronaldo importance

While Dalot is ready to fight for his place at Old Trafford, doubts persist about his compatriot and clubmate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The forward has been attending to personal matters instead of reporting to pre-season training. Meanwhile, there is a widespread belief he wants to leave United for a club competing in the Champions League.

But fellow Portuguese international Dalot maintains Ronaldo will be important for United as long as his off-the-field situation turns out alright.

Dalot said: “I think Cristiano is important for us.

“What we know is he is going through some family issues. We hope everything is OK.”

Man Utd’s season gets underway on 7th August with a home match against Brighton.

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