Diogo Dalot is already proving Antony right about Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

It has been a season of steady progress for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag so far.

Since being beaten up and spat back out again at Brentford back in August, losing 4-0, United have, on the whole, gone from strength-to-strength, producing a series of encouraging performances, recording some impressive results along the way. Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea kept them within touching distance of the Champions League places, meaning they are in a strong position to try and get back into Europe's premier club competition next season.

Gambles they might have been, but each of United's big-name summer signings have played a key part in the Reds' gradual progression under Ten Hag, whether it be Lisandro Martinez at centre-back, Casemiro at the base of the midfield, or Antony flying down the right-wing. They have all given the squad a boost and brought the best out of others.

But while there is no denying that United's summer intake have had a positive influence on those who were in desperate need of seeing more quality added to the squad during the transfer window, Ten Hag's role cannot go unnoticed, either. He, even if he is still learning about his squad, has already had a hugely positive impact in more ways than one.

United's play as a whole has drastically improved, as highlighted in the recent Premier League clashes with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, and certain individuals have come on in leaps and bounds, evidently benefitting from his coaching methods. The likes of Scott McTominay, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have all shown plenty of improvement since the Dutchman succeeded Ralf Rangnick back in May.

But one of United's most improved players so far this season, undoubtedly, is right-back Diogo Dalot. The Portugal international has started every game so far this season, becoming one of the very first names on the teamsheet.

He has made the right-back berth his own, producing a series of impressive performances. He has warmed to Ten Hag's philosophy and adapted well to his demand of being asked to move inside to overload the midfield when United are in possession.

He also has offered a greater threat in an attacking sense than he has in recent seasons, even if he only has two assists to show for his efforts so far this term. Nevertheless, it is two more than he managed in the whole of last season.

But should Dalot's rapid improvement so far this season come as too great a surprise? Not if summer signing Antony's previous comments about Ten Hag's management credentials are anything to go by.

That is because the Brazilian, who has scored three goals for United since arriving in the summer, waxed lyrical about Ten Hag while working with him at Ajax, outlining how he has the ability to improve any player that he gets the opportunity to work with.

"Every player under his guidance becomes a better footballer through his training," Antony told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf during his time in the Netherlands. "Since my arrival, he has given me a lot of confidence and believed in what I can do."

Dalot is certainly showing signs of improvement - and the evidence is there for all to see. He has been one of United's most consistent performers so far this term, turning the right-back area from one of concern to one of solidity and consistency.

His performance against Spurs last Wednesday evening was up there with one of his best of his United career. He dealt with the threat of Ivan Perisic with ease and got forward to support the attackers time and time again. It offered no shortage of encouragement.

Therefore, considering he has often been criticised throughout his United career, it is no surprise that he has made significant progress since Ten Hag walked through the door. He has been one of the Dutchman's must trustworthy lieutenants so far this season and long may it continue.