When Man Utd take on Bournemouth in their next game, Michael Carrick will have huge hopes for a player in his squad who was a ‘great surprise’ in a new role under his predecessor.
Putting square pegs in round holes was a running theme of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Man Utd.
Half of Michael Carrick’s success is probably attributed to just playing players in their ideal position, but Amorim didn’t always get it wrong.
One such instance where he got it right was in the 4-4 draw at Old Trafford against Bournemouth, where one player was a ‘great surprise’ in a position that’s not his ideal.
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Diogo Dalot impressed in a makeshift position vs Bournemouth
Amorim tried his best to fit the Man Utd squad into this 3-4-3 system, and Diogo Dalot became his most malleable soldier in the process.
Despite Dalot’s best traits being in the buildup and circulation, he got saddled with the attacking responsibility of making a difference in the final third.
Not only that, but Amorim also fielded him at left wing-back, where he couldn’t even use his stronger right foot on the overlap.
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Against Bournemouth, however, he made the most of a difficult situation, because it was a ‘great surprise’ to see him grow into his left wing-back role.
Granted, he was helped somewhat by Amorim not deploying a rigid 3-4-3 formation that day, but he still managed to land a ‘stunning’ cross for Amad’s goal from out wide.
He showed his intelligence that day by shapeshifting in multiple formations and roles within the 90 minutes and still came out of the game with his reputation enhanced.
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It will give Carrick immense hope that he can be a difference-maker now that his role has been simplified.
Michael Carrick has given Dalot clarity over his role
Dalot might have been a favourite of Ruben Amorim, but the manager rarely allowed him to settle and play in one position for a long time.
In contrast, Carrick has come in and immediately installed Dalot as his first-choice right-back, which is his natural position.
Sure, there are still the occasional frustrating moments and glaring misses from positions he should even be in, but he has largely been secure and confident.
An added advantage he will have against Bournemouth this time is the absence of Antoine Semenyo on the left wing.
Amad’s right wing-back shifts also ensure that Dalot gets plenty of protection on his side from the Ivorian, who runs selflessly for the team and tracks back.
Football is a game of mentality as much as it is about talent, so Dalot will fancy his chances of making a difference against a team he has already done well this season.
Now that he has positional clarity, the chances of that happening are even higher.
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