As well as trying to instill his footballing philosophy, Erik ten Hag has also managed to revive Manchester United’s famous never-give-up attitude among his players.
Saturday’s latest 1-1 draw against Chelsea was the fourth game of the season in which United have snatched points from the jaws of defeat.
Twice they came in the Europa League with Omonia Nicosia as their opponent while in the league both Everton and Chelsea have had to blow their lead due to relentless pressure from the Red Devils.
Dalot’s revival
Ten Hag’s philosophy is starting to take shape as his team continues to enjoy most of the possession while also having more shots than their opponents.
???? Manchester United’s Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot is a transfer target for Real Madrid.
(Source: Sunday Mirror) pic.twitter.com/pdOzSdvOD3
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Another major change since the Dutchman took charge of the club is the resurgence of certain players who seemed close to leaving.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of Ten Hag’s management has been Diogo Dalot with the right-back starting every game this season so far.
The Dutch manager was genuinely impressed with the young Portuguese international and United have recently entered talks with Dalot about a contract extension.
Dalot’s contract with the Red Devils ends next summer, but United have the option of a further year. There were reports that the full-back wants to wait until the completion of the World Cup before signing an extension due to the added chance of getting a better deal.
And until such time as the 23-year-old does not sign a new contract, interest in him will remain with several European clubs seeking his signature.
Real Madrid enters the fray
Barcelona’s interest in Dalot is well known at the moment and now reports indicate that Real Madrid have also entered the chase.
Carlo Ancelotti had told the Bernabeu bigwigs his admiration for Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo. But City have since informed the La Liga giants that Cancelo is not for sale.
“And the next name on Real’s list is Dalot, who has been regularly observed by the LaLiga giants in recent months and for whom the feedback, both professional and personal, has been positive,” Mirror assured. .
United are said to value Dalot at £35m but they don’t want to sell their full-back, especially considering the player’s relationship with Ten Hag and lack of options at right back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears to be on the verge of leaving and has failed to impress his new boss. United hope to agree a contract extension with the Portuguese while also signing a backup option next summer.
