Diogo Dalot has insisted that one of his Manchester United teammates has become “really prepared” to embrace the “highs and lows” that are thrown his way.
Manchester United have had a mixed start to the 2024-25 campaign under Erik ten Hag, who is now in his third season in charge at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have managed only three wins in eight league matches so far, with United in 12th place in the Premier League table this season.
Erik ten Hag’s men slightly eased the pressure on them with a 2-1 comeback win against Brentford in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils will now switch their focus to the Europa League for their reunion with former United manager Jose Mourinho for the Fenerbahce clash on Thursday.
Dalot praises Man Utd star
Speaking to Manchester United’s official website, Diogo Dalot praised the transformation of club teammate Andre Onana at Old Trafford this season.
Andre Onana played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax and was reunited with the Manchester United manager after his move from Inter Milan in 2023.
The 28-year-old Cameroonian shot-stopper endured a mixed first season at United, with Onana heavily criticised for his howlers in the Champions League.
However, Onana has appeared more confident in his second season with the Red Devils and has been far more consistent for Ten Hag’s men.
The former Inter Milan and Ajax star has four clean sheets in eight league matches and is leading the race for the Premier League Golden Glove award this season.
Dalot has claimed that the “only” noticeable change that he has spotted in Onana is the United No 1 achieving a “more balanced mentally” as a player.
“I think it’s been more of a change mentally than footballistic attributes. I think he’s the same player,” he said.
“The only thing that he changed is that he is I think more balanced mentally, and really prepared for the highs and lows.
“At this club, because of the demands and the expectations we have here, it can be really easy for you to fall mentally and to feel really bad.
“Even when things are going well for you, for you to feel over-hyped. So I think he found this balance of being really calm and really confident, and I think it shows on the pitch that he is really good.”
Dalot on his impressive 2023-24 season
Dalot was widely praised for his form last season and the United star scooped the Players’ Player of the Year award after impressing under Ten Hag.
The 25-year-old United right-back admitted that it was special to receive the “recognition” that he did after a consistent 2023-24 season for his club.
“Yeah, definitely. I would say it was probably one of the proudest moments that I had at this club, especially because it was a recognition from my teammates, those who I spend the most time with,” Dalot said.
“Apart from my family! They see me every day, they see the work that I put in every day, and that recognition is also a proud moment for me because it makes me feel that I’m doing the right things. It was special.”
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