Diogo Dalot highlights key edge Michael Carrick holds over Ruben Amorim

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Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has revealed a critical advantage that Michael Carrick has over former head coach Ruben Amorim.

Carrick flying

Carrick was named caretaker boss in December last year, temporarily replacing Amorim, who was sacked after a turbulent 14 months in charge.

Amorim arrived at United in November 2024 to much fanfare and expectation, but he failed to live up to the hype. Inconsistent results and performances as he went about implementing his controversial 3-4-3 formation were a highlight of his troubled spell.

The Portuguese coach led United to a disappointing 15th-placed finish, the worst in the club’s Premier League history. He also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite overwhelming evidence that he probably wasn’t cut out for the Old Trafford hot seat, the top brass backed him heavily in the summer window.

While there was a slight improvement this term, humbling losses like the 3-1 defeat at Brentford proved that United were far from being out of the woods. This, combined with Amorim’s treatment of some players like Kobbie Mainoo and his explosive press conferences, ultimately prompted United to pull the trigger and relieve him of his duties.

It later emerged that Amorim’s relationship with the United hierarchy had broken down. He was frustrated by what he saw as broken promises in the transfer market, while the club’s chiefs, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, were pushing him to compromise on his tactical approach.

Carrick is enjoying a dream start to life in the dugout.

The United legend has taken charge of five games, winning four and drawing one. In a short span of time, Carrick has implemented a front-footed, aggressive and attack-oriented style of play that has quickly galvanised supporters. At present, the Red Devils are fourth in the table and firmly in the frame to finish within the Champions League spots.

Carrick’s calm and relaxed demeanour has been a welcome sight, a stark contrast to the combative and over-emotional reactions United had become accustomed to under his predecessor.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Dalot named Carrick’s composure as a strength that the players have instantly taken to.

Dalot’s remarks

Dalot said, “I think… the biggest advantage of Carrick right now is him knowing exactly what it is to play for Man United, what it is to be around Carrington, what the people need from you, what the fans expect from you, what this type of game will be, and I think that’s the idea.”

“One of his biggest strengths is the balance that he has. He will never be too high, never be too low. That energy, when he came, he knew exactly what to say to us. And then you can talk tactically. Very key messages, one or two things that you need to go to the game and be aware of, and then just play the game.”

“I think that’s been how we’ve been these last couple of games, and we are being fortunate enough to be playing better than we were playing before.”

Asked to describe Carrick’s DNA, Dalot answered, “I think it’s something that, without the ball, we are closing the middle very well. So we’re allowing them to play a bit more on the outside, and then we make them press.”

“I think we’re defending the box really well, one of the things that we already spoke about, and we have to try to improve is a little bit more intensity pressing, like the middle third, a little bit help up higher the pitch.”

“We can be a little bit more intense pressing, but when we have to defend our box, we defend our box with our lives.”

The defender continued, “And then when we attack, he’s like… you know, if you ask Man United fans what they love about this – fast play, direct, that high tempo, it’s lifting the stadium, and you could see against City the way we played.”

“Even against Spurs, against 10 men, which can become even more difficult than playing against 11, but we had that intensity. We were playing on the front foot, and I think that’s ultimately the DNA of the club.”

Dealing with criticism

Dalot also told Ferdinand how he handles criticism and pressure from outside.

“I think it became a little bit more difficult because of, obviously, what is happening online nowadays. Everybody can say whatever they want.”

“And unless you live in a cave, you’re going to be aware of what is being said or what is happening. But to be honest, because my football career, professional career, was all the time here, I had to learn how to balance that. I had to deal with it.”

Dalot further stated, “What I always say, and I always try to pass to my teammates, [is that] as long as I wear this shirt, I will not hide and I will not play the victim. People will talk about you every single week, and if you play well, they will say you play well.”

“It’s one of the things that I try to put in my head all the time.”

“That’s why you see me, if we lose a game, I will be there. And now, having this responsibility, a little more of being one of the leaders at the club and in the squad, I think that’s my responsibility also.”

Dalot and United are next in action on Monday when they take on Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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