Sir Jim Ratcliffe accused several members of Ruben Amorim’s squad of being overpaid and underperforming, and Diogo Dalot admits his message was felt inside the Manchester United dressing room.
It has been a disappointing season for Manchester United — between results, sacking managers and desperate performances.
United are sitting in the bottom half of Premier League table with the season fizzling out. That means the only trophy United can win at this point is the Europa League, which could give Ruben Amorim’s side a pathway into next season’s Champions League.
After United’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday night, United booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will face French side Lyon.
Many of the United first-team squad are playing for their careers at Old Trafford, with some expecting Amorim to conduct a squad overhaul in the summer.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Diogo Dalot reacts to Sir Jim Ratcliffe overpaid jibe
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe certainly enjoys controlling interviews and getting his feelings across.
The outspoken Ineos chief recently accused members of Amorim’s squad of being overpaid and underperforming.
It’s a statement most United fans will agree with after enduring some shocking results and performances, especially over the past two years.
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United right-back Diogo Dalot is not having the best season in terms of performances, but his importance to the team cannot be underestimated having made 44 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Portugal international admits that Ratcliffe’s uncompromising message has resonated strongly inside the Old Trafford dressing room, although he insists that being ready to suffer for the cause has always been the price that comes with wearing the United shirt.
“I think the history of this club is about sacrifice and fighting against the world,” said Dalot, as quoted by The Mirror.
“It’s about sacrificing yourself, and each other, every moment on the pitch and being together with the fans to create the energy we all feel in Old Trafford.
“This is the history of the club. If you want to be successful you have to have that desire to try to do everything on the pitch. Whether you like it or not, the attitude has to be there.
“It is clear that when we are 14th or 15th in the league we are not doing what we should. If we want to put Manchester United back on top we need to do much better.
“Ultimately this club will only progress through what we do on the pitch, so we are all responsible for the future and the momentum. We know that we have that responsibility – but we want to take it. The pressure is high but we are Manchester United players for a reason.”
It’s up to the players to put their money where their mouth is between now and the end of the season. Otherwise, some will be playing their football elsewhere next season.
Dalot added: “If you are a top footballer you need to be able to change things quickly. But obviously it does take time because we have been playing in the last few years in a different way.
“You can see this is a period of change, especially since INEOS have come in. The club wants to go in a direction. They want to rebuild Man United and put Man United back on top.
“I hope in the next couple of years we can go there. I think you are now seeing a much better team than a couple of months ago.
“When we talk about needing time, we aren’t saying that just to buy time. I think it is something that is going to happen.
“Obviously it is difficult when you play for a club like this because you must improve by always winning. The pressure is always high to win every game and when results don’t come, it’s difficult to show progress.
“But I think in the last couple of games you have seen something different. There have been different styles of play, but overall we are improving, I think. It’s something everyone can see, but results will ultimately show our position.”
What’s next for Diogo Dalot?
Dalot’s performances have dipped at times this season, but the 25-year-old is one of the first names on the team sheet each week due to his availability.
United are in Premier League action on Sunday night and Dalot will be part of the team travelling to the King Power Stadium.
Dalot, who could start on either flank in the wing-back role, will be looking to build on his midweek goal against Real Sociedad.
United will be without Patrick Dorgu through suspension and that could force Amorim to switch his defence around.