Diogo Dalot and Benjamin Šeško (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Diogo Dalot’s improved form under Michael Carrick has strengthened his position as Manchester United’s first-choice right-back.
Diogo Dalot looks like a different player compared to the first half of the season.
The Manchester United defender faced heavy criticism earlier in the campaign during the difficult spell under former head coach Ruben Amorim, but his form has improved significantly since Michael Carrick took charge.
At one stage, Dalot became a regular target for frustrated supporters as United struggled for consistency. Now the mood around the Portuguese full-back has changed, together with the team’s results.
A major reason is tactical stability.
Under Amorim, Dalot played in several different roles. In 20 Premier League matches, he started 15 games and appeared in three more as a substitute. He featured six times at right wing-back, ten times at left wing-back, and twice as a traditional right-back.
The constant positional changes exposed weaknesses in his game, especially going forward. Dalot struggled to provide the attacking output Amorim wanted from his wing-backs.
Since Carrick’s arrival, things have become simpler. Dalot has played exclusively as a right-back in a back four, the role many believe suits him best.
His performances have improved immediately. Defensively, he looks more comfortable, while in possession, he has become more effective at progressing the ball with shorter passes and intelligent movement inside the pitch.
Speaking after the recent win against Liverpool, Dalot admitted the tactical setup now feels more natural to him.
“I’m always learning and trying to be as complete as I can. I know my strengths and what I need to improve.”
“This system feels natural to me because I’ve played most of my career in a back four, but at this club you have to be able to adapt. If you sign for Manchester United, you need to be ready to do multiple things for the team.”
Dalot has also become something of a lucky figure during Carrick’s time in charge. He started 12 of Carrick’s first 14 matches, with the only two games he missed from the beginning ending in defeats against Newcastle United and Leeds United.
The statistics support the improvement as well. Dalot’s passing accuracy has increased, and among United defenders, he ranks highest for moving the ball into the final third since Carrick’s appointment.
Those performances may now influence United’s transfer plans.
The club is expected to prioritise other positions this summer, especially left-back, where competition for Luke Shaw remains a priority. On the right side, United appear increasingly comfortable with Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui as their main options.
That means Dalot is now likely to begin the 2026/27 season as United’s first-choice right-back, with the club expected to revisit the position in 2027 instead.
If he maintains his current level, the Portuguese defender might remove the need for a major transfer altogether.