Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has defended Diogo Dalot following the defender’s costly mistake in Sunday’s entertaining 4-4 draw against Aston Villa.
Dalot came under fire from supporters after bringing down Villa’s Alysson inside the penalty area. John McGinn subsequently converted the resulting spot-kick, adding to the drama of a match that witnessed several changes in momentum.
The Portuguese international also faced criticism from sections of the home crowd, with some fans questioning his place in the team.
Reacting to the backlash, Carrick acknowledged the disappointment among supporters but insisted that Dalot’s dedication to Manchester United deserved recognition.
“We’ve got to be careful with that, I think. I understand the frustration. I understand the disappointment of the supporters, so I get it. We’re all frustrated. We’re all disappointed. And the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that.”
The former United midfielder admitted that the defender could have handled the situation better but stressed that mistakes were part of football.
“Diogo gives absolutely everything. He’s played in different positions. He’s played left-back. He’s played really well at times. He gives a penalty away today. That’s, you know… he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better. Alright, that’s part of it, he’s made a mistake.”
Carrick also highlighted Dalot’s versatility and positive influence on the squad, saying the defender remained valuable to the team beyond his performances on the pitch.
“But he cares an awful lot, and he’s given everything. So I like what he brings to the team.
“I like what he brings to the group. I like what he brings to the whole environment and the culture that we’ve got.”
However, the manager stopped short of guaranteeing Dalot a place in the starting lineup for United’s next match.
“Picking the team and who plays the next game, that’s a whole different decision. But it’s a whole different game that we’ve got to look forward to now,” he said.
Carrick also indicated that the defender was coping with the criticism when asked about his reaction.
The draw against Villa was another frustrating result for United, who had to fight back with two late goals to avoid defeat.
Carrick admitted that his team had given away crucial opportunities despite enjoying periods of dominance.
“Yeah, there was a lot happened in the game there. It’s just the moments that are making it [difficult]. We’re kind of beating ourselves a little bit, with the moments really that we’re giving away and goals that we’re giving away in tight clusters, that are making it a lot more difficult,” he said.
He blamed avoidable errors in both penalty areas for preventing United from securing maximum points.
“Football’s about moments. Football’s about what happens in both boxes in the end, where I think you take the moments that are totally avoidable, goals that we’re giving away.”
Despite the result, Carrick maintained that United had been the stronger side for significant portions of the encounter.
“I actually thought we’ve played pretty well and were the better team for the most part, and I’m disappointed that we still haven’t won the game, to be truthful.”
He also praised his players’ pressing and defensive efforts but admitted that their mistakes continued to undermine their performances.
The United boss rejected suggestions that the defensive problems were caused by a lack of concentration, describing the errors as isolated incidents rather than a recurring pattern.
“No, they are switched on and concentrated. It’s a variety of things, a variety of type of goals, so there’s not a theme to it apart from there’s one-off moments catching us out at the moment,” he said.
Carrick believes the team has the quality to improve its defensive record after the international break.
“Yeah, 100 per cent, yeah. I think there’s more than enough. I think goals change games, and you’ve got to deal with it, and it’s something we have to improve on drastically. But there’s more than enough. We’re just making it too difficult for ourselves at the moment in certain times,” he said.
He also disclosed that Harry Maguire’s withdrawal at half-time was due to a back spasm.
“He’s had a really bad back spasm,” Carrick said.
With the international break approaching, the manager said United would use the period to train, regroup and prepare for their next fixture.
“Yeah, it’s been a right mixed week or two or three, really, if you’re looking at the events. But I’m pretty clear where we need to go and how we need to get there,” he said.
He added that the team would maintain its preparations despite the break.
“But as a normal international week is, you know, we’ll have some training. We’ll have one or two days off, but not too much. But we’ll train, and we’ll get ready for the next game.”
