Michael Carrick understands fan frustrations amid Manchester United sack threat
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has urged supporters “to be careful” with their boos after targeting Diogo Dalot during the Red Devils’ 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday.
Man Utd fans watched on at Old Trafford as their side twice rallied back from a two-goal deficit in dramatic fashion, eventually sharing a point with Unai Emery’s visitors.
For much of this season, Dalot has been deployed outside of his favoured position of right-back, instead lining up on the left in the absence of Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu.
Dorgu has recently returned to enough fitness to be named in matchday squads, and when the Danish wing-back was brought on to replace Dalot on 66 minutes on Sunday, boos rang around Old Trafford aimed at the Portuguese defender.
A regular starter in an often-criticised defence, Dalot had given away a penalty right at the start of the second half, allowing Aston Villa to regain their lead.
Under-pressure United boss Carrick was quick to defend his player, however.
Asked about the fans’ booing towards Dalot, Carrick responded: "We've got to be careful with that, I think.
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"I understand the frustration, I understand the disappointment of the supporters, so I get it. We're all frustrated, we're all disappointed, and the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that.
"Diogo, he gives absolutely everything. He's played in different positions, he's played left-back, he's played really well at times. He gives a penalty away today.
“Maybe he can do a little bit better, all right, that's part of it, he's made a mistake, but he cares an awful lot and he's giving everything.
"So I like what he brings to the team, I like what he brings to the group, I like what he brings to the whole environment and the culture that we've got.
“Picking a team and who plays the next game, that's a whole different decision, but it's a whole different game that we've got to look forward to now."
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Since joining United from Porto in 2018, Dalot has made 260 total appearances across all competitions.
The reception Dalot received from the Old Trafford crowd did not go unnoticed by his fellow players. Joshua Zirkzee, himself subject to jeers from the home crowd after a poor performance against Newcastle in 2024, stood up to embrace Dalot after the full-back made his way to the bench.
Zirkzee was later introduced to great aplomb, pulling one back before setting up the last-gasp equaliser for Dorgu.