Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has responded to recent public criticism from his manager, Ruben Amorim, who stated the Portuguese full-back was performing 'far from the best'.
Amorim's pointed critique
The comments from the United boss came late last month, following a series of performances where he felt Dalot and fellow wing-back Patrick Dorgu were not reaching their potential. Amorim specifically highlighted a gap between their training ground efforts and matchday displays.
'When I see them training, they are doing so much better than in games,' Amorim said. 'They are far from the best and they know it. They have so much more to give.'
Dalot's measured reaction
Ahead of United's Premier League trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 26-year-old was asked about his manager's assessment. Dalot, who scored his first goal of the season in the midweek draw with West Ham United, offered a diplomatic perspective.
'I think it’s something in general,' Dalot said of the remarks. 'He could be talking about me but I think he could be talking about everyone at the club. We always have to find ways to improve ourselves, be more consistent.'
He acknowledged the inherent pressure at a club of United's stature, adding: 'We are in a team where you’re as good as your last game. Fortunately, I’m here long enough to understand how it works and find a way to help the team.'
A call for obsession at Old Trafford
Despite losing just one of their last eight league fixtures, disappointing home results against Everton and West Ham have left United languishing in 12th place. Dalot believes a shift in mentality is required for the team to progress under Amorim this season.
'I think we need to become a bit more obsessed about playing for this club, winning games and winning trophies for this club,' he stated. 'But it’s a process.'
Rejecting the notion of a lengthy transition, Dalot emphasised the immediate demands at Manchester United. 'I’m not going to get into the ‘we need time’ thing. I think we have to win straight away because that’s what the club demands.'
Reflecting on the missed opportunity against West Ham, he concluded: 'That’s why it hurts sometimes even more when we have opportunities like this and we don’t win. We had a good chance to get closer to the top positions and I think that’s what hurts even more.'
