Diogo Dalot makes bold Harry Maguire claim after resurgent Man United form under Michael Carrick | OneFootball

Diogo Dalot believes it will be “no problem” for Manchester United to keep Harry Maguire as he hailed the former captain as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League.

Maguire, who turns 33 this week, is out of contract in the summer and United risk losing an £80m signing on a free transfer if a new deal cannot be agreed.

The England international only made four league starts this season before Michael Carrick took over, but he has begun all seven matches since.

Carrick has praised Maguire and fellow defender Dalot urged United to keep the former Leicester, Hull and Sheffield United player.

He said: “I think he's been showing during his career how strong he is mentally and physically and when he is in a good state of mind, and when he's good physically with a good run of games I think is one of the best centre-backs in the league.

“So I'm pretty sure that if he shows a good level, if it helps the team, it will be no problem for the club to keep him. It's not my decision; ultimately, it will be between them. But we're very happy with him.”

Dalot helped United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Sunday to go into the top three for the first time this season, and the Portugal full-back said a year out of Europe should show how much it matters to them.

He added: “I think seasons like this are good for you to know that when you're playing Europa League and especially Champions League, those are the best years, those are best seasons.

“This year we play 40 games because we came out of the cup even in the early stage, so this is nowhere near what the club should be, and the competitions that we should play in. That's the goal.”