“This process we have to suffer” - Manchester United star Diogo Dalot highlights one reason behind Red Devils’ recent struggles
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has pointed out a major reason for his side's struggles since the start of the season. The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last three games, with a 3-0 bashing at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday leaving them 13th in the Premier League table.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Group purchased sporting control of Manchester United midway through the 2023-24 season. This summer afforded them the chance to make certain changes to the club's structure, including the management team.
Diogo Dalot has come out to say that the restructuring that has taken place at the club since the end of the 2023-24 season has contributed to their woes. The Portuguese defender revealed the strain that the whole process has put on the players, saying (via Daily Mail):
"I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process, we have to suffer. It's a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be.
"It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyze what was done, good and bad. There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match. There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally."
Dalot was voted as the club's Players' Player of the Year after being one of their most consistent performers during the 2023-24 season. This season, the 25-year-old has continued on that path, starring from an unfamiliar left-back position for Erik ten Hag's side in the absence of Luke Shaw.
Diogo Dalot was on the pitch for the entirety of the game as Tottenham put three past the Red Devils on their own turf. With two wins, a draw and three defeats to start the league season, the Red Devils have matched their dismal start to the 2013-14 season.
Versatile defender embracing leadership role at Manchester United
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot is prepared to be one of the leaders of the Red Devils as his career with the club progresses. The Portugal international shared this with A Bola during a chat in which he spoke about the club's captaincy. He said:
"It's something that is within me, this ability to be among an important group of players in a squad. It's something that will come naturally, but I want to help my teammates whenever I can."
I'm one of the oldest players in the squad and it's part of having to convey the experience I have at the club. If it happens, I will be delighted."
Dalot has been at Old Trafford since 2018, playing under five different managers at the club. He has appeared 166 times for the Red Devils since signing from FC Porto and is one of the longest-serving players at Manchester United.