Fulham centre back Tosin Adarabioyo has praised Marco Silva’s ‘brilliant man-management and tactics’ in an interview with the Times’ chief football correspondent Henry Winter.

The Mancunian native, who could make his return to the Whites’ starting line-up at Old Trafford tomorrow mere miles from where he grew up, spoke in glowing terms about Silva’s influence on his game since the Portuguese manager took over from Scott Parker at Craven Cottage in 2021.

He’s demanding, but we really enjoy it. They [training sessions] are lengthy and it can be quite intense. I think he gets carried away sometimes but he just wants the best for us and team. His man-management and tactics are brilliant.”

Those skills have been tested as Silva seeks to keep a surfeit of centre halves, including Tosin, happy with their game time. The 26 year-old feels he has forged a strong understanding with Calvin Bassey, who recently helped Nigeria reach the final of the African Cup of Nations.

“Me and Calvin have had some good games together this season. We have that trust that when either gives an instruction we know that, ‘OK, I can commit to this 100 per cent because I know Calvin is there to cover or I’m there for him.’ ”

Tosin, who has failed to agree terms with the Cottagers over an extension to his current contract which expires in just four months, spoke in glowing terms about his experiences of playing at the Cottage.

“It is special playing there, a bit smaller than other grounds but it’s kept that heritage, keeping the Cottage.”

But the intensely ambitious defender spoke of his confidence of being able to play in the Champions’ League and earning England honours with Fulham beginning to line possible replacements.