Diogo Dalot has said Manchester United have "space for improvement" under Erik ten Hag after Cristiano Ronaldo 's comments about the manager.
Ronaldo's contract at Old Trafford was terminated after less than 18 months, just days after the veteran took aim at a number of figures around the club. One of those criticised by Ronaldo was Erik ten Hag, with the forward making his feelings known during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Dalot is in an unusual position or still playing with Ronaldo at the World Cup after learning the pair are no longer club colleagues. And, while he feels there is more to come for United under Ten Hag, he spoke highly of the Dutchman's style.
"With him, we have a lot of space for improvement and he's a manager that demands a lot from the players," Dalot said of Ten Hag. The right-back has been a regular under the former Ajax boss, helping Man Utd keep themselves in contention for a top four finish. This is the way I like to work, so I think it's a good match. It brings me more responsibility to keep improving."
Ronaldo, meanwhile, had given a different verdict on the manager during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. "I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me," he said. "If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."
" Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," a statement from the club read, confirming the frontman's departure. "The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
Have Man Utd got the right man in the dugout? Have your say in the comments section
"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team’s progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch," the statement continued. Ronaldo finished the 2021-22 season as United's top scorer after re-joining the club, but netted just once in the league under Ten Hag.
"Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," Ronaldo said in a statement of his own. "I love Manchester United and i love the fans, that will never ever change.
"However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."
Portugal won their first World Cup match against Ghana, with Ronaldo opening the scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-2 victory. Their second game of the competition sees them take on Uruguay in Lusail, and a second victory would send them into the last 16.
