Manchester United fans let themselves down with their treatment of Diogo Dalot after the final whistle against Aston Villa on Sunday, as the defender emerged as the latest scapegoat for the club's poor run of form.
Dalot has been at United since 2018 and has made 260 appearances in all competitions, but critics say he is not at the required level for a club of United's stature. However, the blame for his continued presence at the club lies with the boardroom, not with the player himself.
Dalot's commitment questioned
What Dalot lacks in ability, he makes up for with effort, with the 27-year-old giving his best every time he steps on the pitch. He is asked to play almost every minute of every game and does the best he can.
United fans celebrated when Dalot was substituted in the second half, and he was booed down the tunnel and received abuse outside the stadium after the game. The reaction was out of line, especially given that Dalot appears fully committed to the club, which cannot be said for many of his team-mates.
Carrick defends Dalot
Michael Carrick made that clear in his post-match interview, saying: "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, he knows that. 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."
Fans urged to target owners
United fans should instead direct their anger at the real culprits, including the Glazer family, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox. INEOS and the Glazers are entirely to blame for the managed decline of United, a once-great club now staring at relegation to the Championship.
Going to the stadium, holding up green-and-yellow banners and singing songs has not helped over the years. To enforce real change, fans would need to hit United's custodians in the pocket by not going to games, not buying official merchandise, and not giving the club another penny until things change behind the scenes.
As long as people continue to fill Old Trafford on a weekly basis, nothing will happen and the same cycle will continue. Those who buy match tickets are the same ones abusing Dalot, a player who gives his all but is another victim of the club's mismanagement from the top.
Targeting individual players will not bring about the regime change supporters want.
