Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot delivered a fine performance during the 3-0 Premier League win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Portuguese star has been one of the club’s most consistent defenders this season and he was very impressive during the recent victory over the Hammers.

Dalot had 73 touches and completed 52 out of his 58 passes – an accuracy of 90 per cent. He successfully completed eight out of his nine long balls – a success rate of 89 per cent.

Dalot had 1 block during the match but that save was crucial. Jarrod Bowen had a very good chance to close the gap when the score was 2-0.

The former Porto graduate saved the blushes of Harry Maguire by blocking Bowen’s shot which could have brought the Hammers back into the game (2-0 at the time).

No defenders around, Bowen looked set to score easily, but Dalot got back in time to make a great save, which saw the shot blocked, only to turn into a free kick corner.

The moment received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful, as well as plenty of high fives from his teammates.

Dalot has been Ten Hag’s preferred right-back ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to his better attacking attributes, but he has also improved with the defensive side of his game.

He has been better with his concentration and positioning, and is currently above Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order. Only time will tell whether he can be the long-term solution.

Whether on the right or left, Dalot is a consistent performer and this match against West Ham was one of his best.

Meanwhile, United’s win over the Hammers has reduced the gap to the top four to eight points. The deficit could be brought down further during next Sunday’s game at Aston Villa.

Villa are currently fourth in the league standings. If United manage to do the double over the Midlands outfit, they could become genuine contenders for Champions League football.

It is a make-or-break game for them as a defeat would increase the gap to 11 points.