A Manchester United player discusses his relationship with Erik ten Hag, the coach.

Manchester, England – December 26: Diogo Dalot of Manchester United celebrates after winning the match during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on December 26, 2023 in Manchester, England.

Diogo Dalot, the Portuguese defender for Manchester United, has expressed his belief that he and current manager Erik ten Hag are a perfect match. In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports’ Sign-Up show, Dalot revealed that he and the Dutch head coach share similar football philosophies, particularly when it comes to the role of full-backs in a Ten Hag system.

Since Ten Hag took charge of Manchester United in the summer of 2022, Dalot has often been his first-choice right-back, offering a more attacking option compared to the defensively-minded Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In recent weeks, Dalot has even filled in at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw, with Wan-Bissaka returning to his usual position on the right.

Manchester United’s backline has faced numerous challenges this season due to a growing injury list, with key players such as Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Shaw, and Wan-Bissaka all spending time on the sidelines. However, Dalot has been a consistent presence and has made valuable contributions, scoring one goal against Sheffield United and providing an assist for Alejandro Garnacho’s bicycle kick against Everton.

After falling out of favor under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dalot has emphasized his strong relationship with Ten Hag, stating that they clicked from the moment the Dutchman arrived. Dalot appreciates Ten Hag’s footballing vision and his understanding of the full-back position, which aligns with his own preferences. He believes that their partnership has been successful, not only for him but for other players as well.

While Manchester United has yet to win any major trophies under Ten Hag, Dalot remains focused on the smaller victories. He values the personal achievements he has made, such as fighting to secure his place in the team and staying at the club. Dalot also cherishes the collective success of winning a trophy last season, highlighting its significance to him.

Overall, Dalot is optimistic about his future under Ten Hag’s guidance and hopes that their successful partnership will continue to flourish.