Diogo Dalot has shed light on the club’s recent struggles, acknowledging that the team may “suffer” as it undergoes a significant restructuring process. The Portuguese international’s remarks come at a time when the Red Devils find themselves in a precarious position, both in domestic and European competitions.
As the autumn leaves begin to fall in Manchester, the mood around Old Trafford is far from jubilant. Despite a summer spending spree that saw the arrivals of promising talents like Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, and Manuel Ugarte, United have managed just three wins from their opening six Premier League matches.
The disappointment was further compounded by a lackluster 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener, followed by a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 1st, 2024.
While the on-field performances have left much to be desired, significant changes are taking place behind the scenes at Manchester United. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has initiated a sweeping restructuring of the club’s hierarchy, bringing in a new CEO and sporting director.
These changes, while potentially beneficial in the long term, have added an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. The ripple effects of this restructuring are being felt throughout the club, from the boardroom to the pitch.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at United’s Carrington training complex, Diogo Dalot offered a measured take on the club’s current predicament. “I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer,” the 25-year-old fullback explained.
Dalot emphasized the importance of consistency, both in terms of results and performance. 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,” he stated, his words echoing through the press room.
The Portuguese international also touched on the mental aspects of navigating this challenging period. “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,” Dalot added, his tone reflecting a mix of determination and realism.
As the club grapples with its internal restructuring, the spotlight inevitably falls on manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutch tactician, who arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations, now finds himself under increasing scrutiny.
Former United captain Roy Keane, never one to mince words, offered his take on the situation. “Ten Hag is walking a tightrope,” Keane said during a recent punditry appearance. The results simply haven’t been good enough, and in this game, you’re only ever a few bad results away from the sack.
As Manchester United prepares to face FC Porto in the Europa League on Tuesday, October 3rd, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time, the importance of the match cannot be overstated. A positive result could serve as a much-needed morale boost for the beleaguered squad.
Following the European encounter, United will turn their attention back to domestic matters with a challenging away fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday, October 8th. These two matches could prove pivotal in shaping the narrative around United’s season and Ten Hag’s future at the club.
The Old Trafford faithful, known for their unwavering support, find themselves in a state of conflicted emotions. Longtime season ticket holder Margaret Thompson, 68, summed up the mood: “It’s been tough to watch, no doubt. But we’ve been through rough patches before. If this restructuring is what’s needed to get us back to the top, then so be it. We’ll stand by the lads through thick and thin.”
As Manchester United navigate through this period of transition, the words of Diogo Dalot serve as both a reality check and a rallying cry. The club’s ability to weather this storm and emerge stronger will be put to the test in the coming weeks and months.
With crucial fixtures looming and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Old Trafford to see if United can turn their fortunes around. As Dalot aptly put it, “It’s a daily job, we have to train well and recover well.” Only time will tell if this approach will be enough to steer the Red Devils back to calmer waters.
