Diogo Dalot is swinging from the same branch as Erik ten Hag when he says now is not the right time to discuss new contracts, although his current deal expires in 12 months unless Manchester United trigger his 12-month extension.
We have every reason to believe that Dalot will be staying at United because he has been a solid performer under Erik ten Hag so far this season. On top of that, we do not have a lot of depth in the right-back department, especially with Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to leave soon.
Dalot is reportedly on Barcelona’s transfer list – but Spanish newspaper Sport claims that United informed the La Liga giants that the Portugal international would not be leaving Old Trafford in January.
The 23-year-old was pressed on his future during an interview with Sky Sports.
Dalot said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News: “I mean, I just think this is not worth thinking about too much at this time. We are in the process of where we think we have to improve our game as a team and focus on the club.
“Individuals will have to come [secondary] at this time and there is also a World Cup coming. I don’t think that it is the time to think about this [new contract].”
He added: “I’m just happy that I’m helping this club. I love to play for this club, and I think that I show that every single time I step onto Old Trafford and every time I wear this badge. This is the most important for me [right now].”
Dalot takes same approach as Ten Hag when it comes to contact talk
Ten Hag stressed that he is yet to decide whether David de Gea and Marcus Rashford will be offered new contracts, when asked at a recent press conference.
“In this moment we only think about performing,” Ten Hag said, as per The Guardian. “We have a lot of games to go, so I don’t want to get that interfered by talks.”
United should be focused on results. Contracts can be discussed at a later point after the players earn them.
