Manchester United fans have lambasted Diogo Dalot after his display in the team's 2-1 away win over Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League. The Portuguese defender started in his preferred right wing-back position at Doosen Arena in Czechia on Thursday night.
Rasmus Hojlund spared United's blushes with two brilliant goals to bail Andre Onana out after a terrible blunder by the goalkeeper. The hosts had taken the lead through former Burnley striker Matej Vydra after a poor pass out from the back by Onana.
Hojlund came off the bench and equalized with an instinctive finish from a rebound after Amad Diallo's shot was saved. The Dane grabbed the winner when Bruno Fernandes sent a slick free-kick into his path and he struck home with aplomb.
It was a relief for Ruben Amorim who became just the third manager in the club's history to oversee two wins in European competition. It wasn't a great night overall for his troops who looked lost at times, especially Dalot who came in for criticism on social media.
Manchester United fans slam Diogo Dalot
Dalot was given the opportunity to impress in his preferred right wing-back position but failed to do so. He was vulnerable at the back and going forward didn't offer much for United. He won one of four ground duels and lost possession 15 times.
Fans took aim at Dalot for his weak showing in Czechia with one fan deeming him the worst performer on the pitch:
"I have to say, Dalot is consistently one of the worst players on the pitch. Between terrible decision making and an inability to complete a simple pass, it's tough to watch. He just isn't meant to play on the left."
I have to say, Dalot is consistently one of the worst players on the pitch. Between terrible decision making and an inability to complete a simple pass, it's tough to watch. He just isn't meant to play on the left.
— Riddy Muppetiers (@RiddyMuppetiers) December 12, 2024
Another fan wants Dalot sold amid speculation that Real Madrid are interested:
"If Madrid wants Dalot, sell him."
If Madrid wants Dalot, sell him
— Billion dollar dream with Fixa (@Magic_Afoo) December 12, 2024
More fans gave similar takes on the Portugal international:
Dalot RB, LWB, RWB pic.twitter.com/SeDWtNeJCN
— 🔗 (@Gideoomatic) December 12, 2024
AWB was abused for far less than what i’ve seen from Dalot tonight. good grief
— billy 👹🇾🇪 (@vibesnotactics) December 12, 2024
Diogo Dalot is not a wingback, I’ve seen enough.
— Frank🧠🇵🇹 (fan) (@AmorimEra_) December 12, 2024
What Dalot couldn’t do at RWB for 60 minutes, Antony did in 2.
— BASH-AAR 🔞 (@FaruqBashar) December 12, 2024
Real Madrid keeping tabs on Diogo Dalot's situation
Real Madrid have reportedly made contact with Dalot about a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu, per Relevo. The Red Devils are asking for around £41.5 million for the right-back who arrived at Old Trafford in July 2018.
However, Los Blancos are also heavily linked to Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and he's the La Liga giants' priority. His contract with the Merseysiders expires next summer and he's free to talk to clubs from abroad in January.
Red Devils Dispatch Verdict
Dalot was excellent last season and one of a few players who impressed in the club's worst Premier League campaign in history. But he's been alarmingly poor this term, with displays that suggest he's not the long term answer for Amorim at right wing-back. A sale could allow the club to fund a deal for Sporting CP's Geovany Quenda who is of interest.