Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has provided an insightful comparison between playing under interim manager Michael Carrick and former boss Ruben Amorim, suggesting the tactical differences are minimal despite a notable formation change.
Dalot's Tactical Analysis
In an interview with DAZN Portugal, Dalot explained that while Carrick has reverted to a back four from Amorim's 3-4-3 setup, the core principles remain similar. "If you analyse it closely, things are not that different from what we were doing with Ruben," he stated. "If you look at the pieces of the game individually, you don't see that many differences. The biggest difference is the profile of the player. Now we play with one less defender and one more attacking player."
Impact of Formation Shift
Carrick took over in January after Amorim was sacked following a poor run of form. Under Carrick, United have improved dramatically, winning seven, drawing two, and losing just one of ten games. This upturn has been partly attributed to the switch to a flat back four, which sometimes adjusts to a back five when wingers drop deeper to defend. Dalot, however, emphasises that confidence and player quality are more critical than tactical nuances. "As I say many times, at the end of the day what really matters is the result. When confidence is high, with the quality of players we have, sometimes you don't even need to say much and players go on the pitch and perform well."
Dalot's Evolving Role
The 27-year-old Portuguese international has also reflected on his personal development, noting that he has been used in a more advanced winger position under Carrick. This experience has enhanced his understanding of attacking play. "When you play as a winger and receive the ball, you have options to go one-against-one, attack the line, play backwards or find the number ten," he said. Despite this, Dalot admits he feels most comfortable as a full-back. "It feels like going back to my origins. When I get those opportunities, I try to make the most of them because I know they will make me even more versatile."
Leadership and Responsibility
Now in his fifth season at Old Trafford, Dalot has become one of the squad's senior figures. He embraces this responsibility, aiming to set a positive example for newer players. "I enjoy having that responsibility. What I try to do every day is represent the values of the club as best as I can. The behaviours and attitudes I show daily are very important to me because I know I can set an example." He added, "I still consider myself young. But the reality is that I joined the club so early that it now brings more responsibility. New players arrive all the time and I try to help them feel comfortable. At the same time, they need to understand the reality of the club."
Reflections on Career Journey
Dalot also shared his astonishment at his career progression, from his early days to becoming Manchester United's second longest-serving player. "Obviously when you start playing football you only think about the passion for the game. You don't think much about what comes next. At an early stage I would never have imagined playing for FC Porto, let alone becoming the second longest-serving player at Manchester United." This humility and dedication underscore his commitment to the club amidst ongoing tactical adjustments and leadership roles.
