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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Erik ten Hag admits he's performed transfer U-turn since Manchester United arrival

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that he slightly changed his transfer plans after working with his players for several months.

It was thought that the Dutchman would look to recruit a new goalkeeper and right-back shortly after beginning his reign as Reds manager, with David de Gea and Diogo Dalot both under pressure after enduring somewhat difficult campaigns in recent seasons.

However, the pair have both been impressive so far this term, with the pair both making 24 appearances in all competitions. De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season, but the club possesses the option to extend his deal by an additional year.

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Dalot, meanwhile, has made Ten Hag think again about his plan to recruit a new right-back after delivering several performances that have impressed the United manager. The Portuguese defender had his contract extended until 2024, and he is expected to continue as the club's first-choice right-back.

"David de Gea has made a lot of progression. I saw right away that he has ability on the ball. But you also see him getting better now, because the team is giving him options to play out. He is now very consciously looking for the right man," Ten Hag said, as per The Mirror.

Ten Hag had identified a new right-back as a priority after becoming United boss, but it appears that the Dutchman has amended his transfer plans in recent months.

In an interview with VI Magazine, he said: "Initially, I had in mind a midfielder, a striker, a right winger and a left-footed central defender.

"But I also think that as a coach you should always work first with the players you already have available. The position of right-back in our selection is a good example of that. In the beginning, I also had my doubts and wondered if we should look for reinforcements there.

"But then you start working with your squad and come to new insights. A player like Diogo Dalot did very well in pre-season and I saw the boy's potential. So that position is no longer a priority to get reinforcements."

United signed Antony, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez on permanent deals in the summer transfer window.

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