Manchester United are set for a meeting with Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester United are set for a meeting with Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester United fans have expressed their dissatisfaction at the inclusion of right-back Diogo Dalot in the starting XI for their league meeting with Arsenal. The Red Devils are looking to claim a second big win in as many games after their win over Manchester City last weekend.
Michael Carrick began his reign as interim Manchester United head coach with an admirable performance and win in the first Manchester derby of 2026, earning plaudits. The former Middlesbrough boss has opted to retain the XI that did the business at Old Trafford as the league leaders host them.
Portugal international Diogo Dalot keeps his place in the XI at right-back ahead of Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui, who is back with the squad for the first time since December. The former Bayern Munich man was part of the Morocco side that lost the AFCON final to Senegal last Sunday, and starts on the bench.
Manchester United fans are largely unhappy with the choice of Dalot ahead of Mazraoui, and a number of them took to X to make their thoughts known.
A fan expressed their clear disappointment at the decision to start the Portugal international against Arsenal.
Another fan agreed with the coach's decision to retain the same XI, but expressed their dissatisfaction over Dalot, accusing him of setting the team back.
A fan posted a message pleading with the Portugal international not to stress them.
Another fan questioned how the right-back keeps starting for the side.
Diogo Dalot is set to make his 21st league appearance of the season, with the former FC Porto man having played the full 90 minutes in each of the last eight games. The 26-year-old has also contributed in attack with a goal and two assists in the league this season.
Arsenal star misses out on squad for Manchester United tie
Arsenal are without star forward Kai Havertz for their Premier League clash against Manchester United at the Emirates. The Germany international is absent once more amid an ongoing struggle with fitness problems for the past year.
Havertz has yet to appear in the Premier League for the Gunners this season since picking up a knee injury against Manchester United on opening day back in August. The German forward has played in cup games against Portsmouth and Chelsea this month, coming off the bench in the closing stages of both games.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has opted to have Gabriel Jesus lead the line while Viktor Gyokeres has been named on the bench. Havertz, who was among the substitutes in their UEFA Champions League win over Inter Milan in midweek, misses out entirely.