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Manchester United have reportedly backed Diogo Dalot as the club faces mounting criticism of the full-back from the fanbase.
Victim of the system
Despite being one of Ruben Amorim’s most trusted lieutenants, Dalot was perhaps one of the biggest victims of the Portuguese coach’s system.
The 26-year-old defender, right-footed by trade, was deployed as a full-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation and even often played on the left last season.
This more advanced role, especially when on his weaker side, does not suit the Portuguese international’s skillset. However, through his attitude and dedication, he showed himself completely committed to the unknown assignment, even at his own expense.
This selflessness and work rate will have convinced Amorim, regardless of Dalot’s struggles on the pitch, when the former Sporting Clube de Portugal manager appointed him to be part of United’s leadership group.
Joining Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tom Heaton and Noussair Mazraoui, Dalot has retained the position under Michael Carrick, who took over as caretaker manager last month after INEOS ended Amorim’s tumultuous tenure.
The legendary midfielder immediately switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, giving Dalot his rightful home on the right of a back four – with the results speaking for themselves.
Under Carrick, the Red Devils have recorded three wins out of three, putting Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham to the sword.
Dalot has been at the heart of this impressive streak, providing solidity in defense and creating overlaps on the right, without the pressure of being the main attacking option on the flank.
A scapegoat
The Portuguese’s improved form has delighted the club’s hierarchy as it was felt he had become a “scapegoat on the border” for much of the fanbase.
The sun reveals that United have rallied around Dalot, who is believed to be “popular” in the dressing room and is often the player “to the fore” for media duties after defeats.
The executive was “keen that Carrick would express his support” for Dalot after he was appointed – with the 44-year-old coach praising the defender at one of his first press conferences.
Conversely, Dalot has also praised Carrick’s ‘calm’ influence since taking over, with the pair previously working together at Old Trafford.
“It was good. I mean, it’s always tough, and I’ve been through some of these scenarios (management changes) before, so it’s always tough because when you change managers there’s always a bit of uncertainty.”
“It helps if you know what you are going to get, because sometimes you don’t know what to expect. But because I knew Michael from the past, I knew immediately that someone would come who is calm and gives you good energy every time.”
Final thoughts
It’s interesting to note that one of Amorim’s key allies in the locker room may actually be bothered by the head coach’s approach.
The obvious candidate when assessing those who have fallen victim to the much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system is Kobbie Mainoo – but a right-footed full-back forced to play as a left wing-back is certainly a strong argument for second place.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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