Manchester United supporters loudly cheered when Diogo Dalot was substituted during their 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, a reaction that underlined the discontent surrounding another poor display.
Dalot was taken off alongside Youri Tielemans and Amad Diallo in the 66th minute. Manager Michael Carrick brought on Patrick Dorgu, Mason Mount and Shea Lacey in a triple change, with the score at 4-2 to Villa.
United fall behind early
Carrick came into the match desperate for a win, with the two-week international break looming. But United's miserable season continued, with some embarrassing defending giving Villa a helping hand.
Goals from Alysson and Nicolas Jackson inside the opening four minutes had Villa in control before United fought back through Bruno Fernandes' penalty and Tielemans' equaliser to go in level at 2-2 at the break.
Second-half collapse
But United once again shot themselves in the foot to hand Villa the initiative again. Just two minutes into the second half, Dalot clumsily tripped Alysson in the box, allowing John McGinn to make it 3-2 from the spot before even more comical defending made it 4-2.
Leny Yoro headed a free-kick towards his own goal, forcing Senne Lammens into a save, with the loose ball dropping to Leon Goretzka to score.
Fan protests continue
Carrick tried to freshen things up through his triple substitution, and Dalot's withdrawal after a rotten performance at left-back summed up the mood inside Old Trafford.
The match began with the second protest against owners the Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a week. Supporters, who protested during the 3-2 win over Roma on Tuesday, released green and gold balloons and chanted about the owners.
