DALOT: WE GIVE THE MANAGER GOOD HEADACHES
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has highlighted how healthy competition between the players is helping to drive the club forward this season.
Following Erik ten Hag's appointment in the summer, the Dutchman brought in five new permanent signings, with Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Antony and Casemiro all arriving at Old Trafford.
Bolstering his options was a particular priority, with the Reds competing on four fronts across the 22/23 campaign. Dalot himself has seen a friendly rivalry with fellow right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka as of late.
Keen to acknowledge the competition for places, the 23-year-old is happy that all of United's players can help to play their part.
''I think it’s massively [important],'' said Diogo, when asked on why it is important to have competition for places in the squad.
''That only shows that we are not just 11 players, we have to be a squad, and like I said many times, I learn a lot with Aaron, I’m sure he learns a lot with me as well.
''I think this is a good and healthy competition that we all have. I think in this squad we have at least two players for each position, a lot of players that can play other roles, so I think this dynamic makes us stronger, makes us better, and I think we have good headaches to give to the manager and I think this is good problems for him.
''We just have to give our best when we have the opportunities to play, not take that for granted because I think at this club, the demands are so high and the responsibility so high that you have to be sharp every single game, and be ready mentally and physically. So I think we, as a squad, are going in the right direction.'
Progressing to the fourth round of the FA Cup yesterday evening, the Reds ran out 3-1 winners against Everton at Old Trafford, with Marcus Rashford yet again netting in the win.
Having now found the net 13 times in all competitions so far this term, our no.10 is enjoying quite the hot streak in front of goal at present.
Dalot was happy to commend Marcus on his efforts as of late, insisting his coming-of-age performances are helping United to suceed.
''Personally, I’m very happy to see the development that Rashy [Marcus Rashford] has had since I arrived,'' he said.
''You can see the way that he’s playing, he’s getting more mature, even though he’s still young. He’s a fantastic man to be around, fantastic person, and that helps also for you to be a good player.
''I think collectively, we are helping him to be more decisive, to be doing these individual performances, but I think it only comes with the work that we are doing collectively.
''He has the mentality to be one of the best players in the world, I think he has the potential to be, he already is one of the best, but I think he can go to another level, and we as a team, we can take him to that level.''
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