Erik ten Hag has found a surprise new Manchester United undroppable after Crystal Palace win

Dalot

There was a moment towards the end of the first half in Melbourne when Diogo Dalot made one of those infield runs that Erik ten Hag has been demanding of his Manchester United full-backs.

But Dalot didn't cut inside Jadon Sancho and offering a passing option. He ran directly infield and kept going, to the point that when a cross was deflected from a corner United's right-back was stood next to Anthony Martial at centre forward.

This was a moment when the ball didn't find its way to Dalot, but might be the best example of how well he's taken to Ten Hag's demands of his full-backs. The approach might be bad news for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but Dalot has gone from under pressure towards the end of last season to looking like he might have a real future under the new manager.

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United could yet look to sign a right-back this summer, especially if they can offload Wan-Bissaka, but anyone coming in will have a fight on their hands with Dalot. He created the first-half goal against Crystal Palace, controlling a pass from Tyrell Malacia on his chest and showing slick footwork to work a yard for a cross. Anthony Martial did the rest.

His partnership with Sancho down the right-hand side is already looking good, but Dalot's influence isn't confined to that flank. At one point towards the end of the first half United built an attack with Dalot and Malacia stood within 15 yards of each other as No. 8s. It was a very modern approach and another sign that Ten Hag's training sessions are having an impact on the pitch.

Attacking confidence

At various points last season Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Sancho all looked to be short of confidence and belief. It hasn't taken long under