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1 month ago
18 Diogo Dalot admits Manchester United are suffering amid a poor start to the season.
The Reds haven’t won a match in three and sit 13th in the Premier League.
United’s flagging form has led to more uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future, and reports suggest the manager has two matches to save his job after losing 3-0 at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
Dalot, who joined United in 2018, welcomes the new ownership model but cautioned there would be ups and downs.
“Consistency, in terms of results but also performance-wise, that’s what keeps clubs doing well for a long time,” Dalot told A Bola.
“The more consistent we are in terms of results, attitude and everything related to playing football and being successful, the closer we will be to winning.
“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. That’s what the club is looking for at the moment.
“It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse 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 is set to start against former club FC Porto in United’s second Europa League tie on Thursday night. They drew their opener with FC Twente at Old Trafford last week.
“It’s something that is within me, this ability to be among an important group of players in a squad,” he told A Bola when asked about the captaincy. “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.
“It (the players’ player of the year award) was very special. All awards are important, but this one is special because it came from those who share every moment with me. They are my second family. I share the battlefield with them and that gives me confidence.
“It’s a daily job, which I don’t just do for myself, but also for them, for the team. It is a recognition that keeps me grounded and gives me the confidence to continue, but it also increases the demands, and this consistency is what I want to bring throughout the rest of my career.”
Dalot has faced his share of criticism this season for his defending. The full-back has been asked to push up the pitch into an inverted role, but United are often caught outnumbered in defensive situations due to being wasteful in possession.
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