Exclusive interview: Alex Telles sets out his aims for United

You scored 13 goals last season in all competitions. That’s remarkable for a defender – what’s your secret and do you work on your shooting?
“I look at being a defender in a different way with my goals. I’m looking to create more openings wherever possible but during training I also pay particular attention to set-piece training. Apart from the key basics of being a defender, which is obviously about defending well, I want to have extra aspects to my game so I’m a versatile player.”

The modern full-back is expected to be capable of attacking and defending to an excellent standard – do you see that as an important part of your game, being able to thrive at both ends of pitch?
“Absolutely. I have great beliefs in my defensive capabilities but also in my attacking ability. I’m in the best moment of my career and I believe I’ve grown a lot, and hopefully I can continue to do so.”

You played with Diogo Dalot at Porto, so did you speak to him before signing for United? What advice did he give you?
“I spoke to Diogo and he sent me a message to wish me good luck. United is a big club and I want to help United grow as a football club.”