When Diogo Dalot was substituted in the 65th minute of Manchester United's 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, a chorus of boos emerged from sections of the Old Trafford faithful, with supporters growing increasingly frustrated by the Portuguese international's performances.
It has been a poor start to the season for Dalot, whose defensive errors have contributed to a number of goals conceded by United.
He was egregiously out of position for several of Villa's goals, while giving away a penalty in the 48th minute that allowed the visitors to restore their one-goal advantage shortly after the second half began.
This only compounded his recent mistakes, with the full-back enduring a particularly difficult evening in midweek, being at fault for both of Roma's goals in United's 3-2 Champions League victory.
United would eventually fight their way back into the match, with Patrick Dorgu—the player who replaced Dalot—assisting Joshua Zirkzee's 92nd-minute finish before levelling the game four minutes later with a header in the dying embers of the match.
Yet, despite the remarkable turnaround, supporters remain divided over Dalot. Some believe he deserved the criticism, while others argue that a Manchester United player should never have to endure such a reception when leaving the pitch.
Michael Carrick provides an insight into Dalot
Following the match, Michael Carrick was asked about Dalot’s performance, with the head coach understanding the fans, but protecting his player in the process.
“We've got to be careful with that, I think. 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 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. That's, you know… he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better. Alright, that's part of it, he's made a mistake. But he cares an awful lot, and he's given 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 the 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.”
The manager was then asked about the full-back's well-being, responding bluntly when questioned about whether he was okay, with a simple "yeah".
The simple fact is that, while Dalot has not been good enough in recent weeks, he does not benefit from what many would describe as a ‘bojo gene.’
Dalot is a good footballer whose defensive insecurities make him a liability on the pitch. Should he be starting week in, week out for United? Probably not. But as a squad player, he could prove invaluable.
He is one of the more reliable players in the Premier League when it comes to availability, rarely suffering injuries, and gives everything whenever he steps onto the pitch.
Regardless, that is not enough to excuse the full-back's recent mistakes, which will inevitably stick in supporters' minds. Football fans naturally gravitate towards the defining moments of a match, and when a player makes costly errors in those situations, the mistakes tend to linger while their positive contributions go largely unnoticed.
These poor moments used to be relatively rare for Dalot, but his form has dipped in recent weeks, with his defensive errors leaving him open to fierce criticism online.
Look beyond his defensive insecurities, however, and Dalot possesses many of the qualities clubs look for in a Premier League full-back. He is a strong dueller, winning 74.4% of his duels during the 2025/26 season, and ranks above average in his 50/50 duel grade, having been one of just 25 players to achieve that mark in the league last season.
His line-breaking passing also approaches elite territory, with only four Premier League full-backs receiving a higher grade in the metric.
Many supporters will be quick to recall when Joshua Zirkzee was booed off the pitch after just 32 minutes against Newcastle United on December 30, 2024, with United trailing 2-0. The Old Trafford faithful quickly changed their tune in the following weeks, chanting his name after he produced an impressive performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup, scoring the winning penalty as United progressed to the fourth round.
Dalot deserves criticism when his performances fall below the required standard. However, there is a difference between holding a player accountable and making him feel unwelcome at his own club.
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