Diogo Dalot, a Manchester United defender, performed admirably in Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese star has been one of the club’s most reliable defenders this season, and he was particularly brilliant in the recent win over the Hammers.

Dalot had 73 touches and completed 52 of his 58 passes, for a 90% accuracy rate. He completed eight of his nine long balls, for an 89% success percentage.

The 24-year-old was caught out of position on a few occasions while playing as an inverted right-back, but he compensated with a crucial block that prevented Jarrod Bowen from scoring.

The former Porto graduate saved Harry Maguire’s blushes by blocking Bowen’s shot, which might have put the Hammers back in the game (2-0 at the time).

Dalot has been Ten Hag’s preferred right-back over Aaron Wan-Bissaka because of his superior attacking abilities, but he has also improved on the defensive end of his game.

He has improved his attention and placement, and is now ahead of Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order. Only time will tell if he can provide a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, United’s victory over the Hammers has cut the margin between the top four to eight points. The deficit could be reduced further during next Sunday’s match at Aston Villa.

Villa presently sit fourth in the league standings. If United can win both games against the Midlands side, they might become legitimate Champions League challengers.

It’s a make-or-break game for them, since a loss would push the deficit to 11 points.