Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players to 'have the b**** to play' brave football against Manchester City.
14.02.2024 - 07:00 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Cristiano Ronaldo had a reassuring message for Rio Ferdinand when he expressed doubts about Diogo Dalot's abilities early in his Manchester United career. Dalot, who has been a key player for Erik ten Hag this season, has made 32 appearances and scored two goals. He also assisted Scott McTominay's winning goal against Aston Villa last weekend.
Dalot joined United from Porto in July 2018 for £19million and has since played 139 times for the club. Despite spending a season on loan with AC Milan, he is now enjoying a stable period at United.
Ferdinand admitted that he had questioned Dalot's place in the team, but Ronaldo had reassured him. "He is someone I doubted early on. I remember speaking to Cristiano Ronaldo and said, 'Is he really that good?' and Cristiano said he will work hard, make himself better and 100 per cent improve." Ferdinand shared on Vibe with Five.
EXCLUSIVE: United delaying contract decisions ahead of planned Ineos changes
EXCLUSIVE: United yet to make key Old Trafford decision
"He saw it behind the scenes so he knew that. I said to Darren Fletcher when I was at the training ground the other day that he has really impressed me. Darren said that he is a worker, he's going to make himself the player he needs to be.
"I still think defensively he probably needs to work a little bit. But [against Aston Villa] I thought he was very good defensively. With the ball, that cross, if we have players running onto them, the forwards will make the runs and we will score more goals."
In addition, Dalot earned words of encouragement from Ten Hag against Villa. "Everyone gets criticism but he is a fantastic player who is developing very well," the Dutchman said. "He can play in so many positions and he is
Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players to 'have the b**** to play' brave football against Manchester City.
When Manchester City look at their next two Premier League fixtures it will be the one next weekend that they are more desperate to win than today's derby, which for Erik ten Hag is an issue he can't accept.
Micah Richards has made a comparison to Liverpool when analysing Manchester United's recent form.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has admitted what he must do to become the Reds' manager in the next ten years.
Former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is under the spotlight after allegedly making an obscene gesture following Al-Nassr's 3-2 triumph Al-Shabab on Sunday.
In a season where more unwanted records have tumbled for Manchester United, they are nearing an unwanted half-century.
Erik ten Hag felt Manchester United's slow start against Fulham had an adverse effect on Omari Forson's performance.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes he 'fulfilled his initial remit' at Manchester United, but he recognises he failed to win a trophy and that his managerial tenure ended miserably.
It is highly unlikely Manchester United will be able to recall striker Joe Hugill from League One side Burton Albion.
Wayne Rooney has shared his views on working with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, explaining how the trio differed in their management styles.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has confessesd that he initially had doubts about Jose Mourinho signing Diogo Dalot.
Luke Shaw is a doubt for Manchester United's trip to Luton Town on Sunday but Erik ten Hag will give the left-back as long as possible to prove his fitness.
Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his first goal of 2024 in a new way. He scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Al-Nassr nine minutes from time to lead his team to a 1-0 victory against Al-Fayha in an Asian Champions League round-of-16 clash on Wednesday.
Former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick could be in line for a top job at Barcelona, despite enduring a tough spell at Old Trafford. Rangnick, 65, is well-respected in Germany and has had a successful career, but his time at United proved challenging.
Manchester United are continuing their preparations ahead of their trip to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town this weekend.
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund - according to reports.
Michael Owen has called for Scott McTominay to be given a more regular role in Manchester United's side after his latest match-winner against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Diogo Dalot has picked his moments for assists this season. The first teed up Alejandro Garnacho for the goal of the season and the second invited Scott McTominay to resume his matchwinner mode.
Manchester United are finding form at the right time under Erik ten Hag following a difficult Christmas period. The Reds are now back in the hunt for Champions League football with three months of action remaining.
Manchester United have received a significant boost in their race for a Premier League top-four finish following a devastating injury blow to fellow hopefuls Aston Villa.