Manchester United will wait until after the World Cup before deciding on players’ future and any potential new contracts.
One player who is set to receive a new offer is Diogo Dalot, as per The Telegraph, whose current deal will expire in the summer of 2023.
Dalot has been irreplaceable in United’s starting eleven this season and has started every match so far, accumulating a whopping 1,614 minutes of playing time.
His development under Erik ten Hag has been remarkable. Whilst there is always room for improvement, the 23-year-old looks solid defensively, especially with Lisandro Martinez alongside him at centre-back.
Dalot also offers significantly more than United’s other right-back option, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, in attack, which is likely why Ten Hag has favoured the Portugal international.
In recent years, it was hard to determine the extent of Dalot’s ability largely because he did not receive enough game time. He was even sent on loan to AC Milan which, looking back, was time he should have spent in a United shirt.
The defender is likely to receive a call-up to Portugal’s World Cup squad after already representing the team in the Nations League and last year’s Euro 2020 tournament, showing Fernando Santos’ trust and belief in Dalot to play a key role for the team in November.
Should Dalot receive a contract extension?
Absolutely. It would be ludicrous to not tie down Dalot to an extended deal at the club. When looking at his performances and improvement in only four months of playing under Ten Hag, he could reach new levels and become the Red Devils’ first choice in the position for years to come.
However, the club should sign another option.
Wan-Bissaka is clearly not the type of fullback he wants in his squad, so let the 24-year-old secure a suitable move and play some football again. Then Ten Hag needs to find another alternative who can rival Dalot for the position and provide cover when needed.
Erik ten Hag on Diogo Dalot: “I hope he keeps progressing, not only stick to this level. We're really happy with the development of Diogo”. 🔴 #MUFC @utdreport
“New right back? I know every club at the top level always needs backup and competition”, ten Hag added. pic.twitter.com/LAmqs5cNZC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 2, 2022
If Dalot was to pick up an injury now or over the World Cup, United would be relying solely on a player who has featured for four minutes since the season began.
Someone like Jeremie Frimpong is an ideal signing; young, in-form, has experience in the Bundesliga, Champions League and the Scottish Premiership, and is a remarkable threat on the attack.
