Michael Carrick has backed the impact Diogo Dalot has on the Manchester United team after seeing the Portuguese full-back booed off by his own supporters in the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.
Dalot was replaced in the second half and Old Trafford cheered when his number came up before booing as he left the pitch. Dalot received a hug from Joshua Zirkzee when he got to the bench, with Zirkzee getting the same treatment against Newcastle a couple of years ago.
Carrick's response to the reaction
Carrick said Dalot was fine after the game but was careful with his response to the barracking that the 27-year-old received and refused to confirm whether he would take him out of the team after the international break, with his form in the spotlight at the moment.
"We've got to be careful with that, I think," Carrick said when asked about the reaction to Dalot. "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, he 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. Maybe he can do a little bit better, all right, that's part of it, he's made a mistake, but he cares an awful lot and he's giving everything.
Dalot's value to the squad
"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 a 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."
Carrick took Harry Maguire off at half-time against Villa and said the 33-year-old had suffered a back spasm at half-time that meant he was unable to continue.
