Erik ten Hag has told Diogo Dalot he must keep improving to stay in the team at Manchester United despite his excellent start to the season.
Dalot has started all 17 of Ten Hag's games in charge so far and his performances at right-back have earned rave reviews, particularly his superb defensive display in the win against West Ham at the weekend.
The 23-year-old has emerged as an important player under Ten Hag, having struggled to make any impact at all at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
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But the workload has been demanding for the Portugal international, who is also likely to feature in the World Cup later this month and will almost certainly retain his place for United's Europa League trip to Real Sociedad on Thursday night.
Ten Hag has been without Aaron Wan-Bissaka for nearly two months but namechecked Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia as potential options at right-back.
The Dutchman has been delighted with Dalot's progress, however, although he has urged him to keep developing his game at United.
"I hope he is keeping progressing, not only sticking to this level. Our approach is good is not good enough, you have to do better," said Ten Hag.
“We're really happy with the development and performances of Diogo, it’s quite clear, but I know every club at the top needs backup and competition.
“I think we can replace him with Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, and luckily Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back in the squad, so we have replacements.
“It's heavy when you have to play every game but he is physically a really good profile and I’m sure he will keep going and he will keep developing. That is what we demand and we're confident he will do that."
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