Michael Carrick has defended Diogo Dalot after Manchester United supporters made their frustrations clear during Sunday's dramatic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international was substituted on 66 minutes following a difficult performance that included conceding a penalty for fouling Alysson, which led to John McGinn's spot-kick goal. His number being shown prompted loud cheers from the crowd, which turned to boos as he left the pitch.
Carrick backs under-fire full-back
Dalot has featured in all 10 of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season, but when asked whether it was time to drop him, Carrick pushed back and defended the 27-year-old.
'We've got to be careful with that, I think,' said the Red Devils boss. 'I understand the frustration and the disappointment of the supporters. I get it, we're all frustrated, we're all disappointed. The players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that.'
'Diogo gives absolutely everything. He's played in different positions, he's played really well at times. He gives the penalty away today, he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better, alright, that's part of it, he's made a mistake.'
'He cares an awful lot and he's giving everything. 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.'
Carrick added: 'Picking a team and who plays the next game that's a whole different decision and that's a whole different game that we've got to look forward to now.'
Neville offers support and criticism
Gary Neville, who played full-back for Manchester United, defended Dalot from criticism earlier this year. Speaking in January on his Sky Sports podcast, he said: 'He gets a really harsh view at times [from] quite a few United fans. I do think there's a half-decent full-back in there, and I watch full-backs so closely.'
'I think he's actually good in the air. I think he's got good athleticism about him. I think he's decent on the ball. I don't think he's a world-class full-back, but neither was I.'
He added: 'I think he's got something about him. I think he's got 7/10 in him every single week, Dalot, but because we've seen him at left wing-back, we've seen him at right wing-back, we've seen him exposed so many times. I think if he just played right full-back and played there all the time, I wouldn't be getting rid of him in a hurry.'
However, Neville was critical of the United defence on Sunday, telling NBC Sports: 'The reason that Manchester United have conceded four goals is they haven't invested in the defence in the transfer window. Everybody knew they had to invest in the defence. They needed defenders. They're making mistake after mistake after mistake.'
The draw leaves Manchester United with just one win from their opening 10 Premier League games, sitting 18th in the table.
