Diogo Dalot says Manchester United shut out the “noise” surrounding their injury crisis and proved they have the squad to cope with it after Sunday's 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest moved them back to third in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag is currently without several key players, including top scorer Marcus Rashford and first-choice central defensive pairing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane. Martinez is out for the season, while Luke Shaw, Marcel Sabitzer, Scott McTominay, Tyrell Malacia, Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho are also absent.
Dalot switched to left-back and capped a fine display with his first Premier League goal, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof resumed their partnership in central defence. “We showed character, we showed personality,” said Dalot. “There was a lot of noise outside the dressing-room, but we kept calm. We knew that we're not just 11 players in this squad and we showed that.”
With so many key players injured, Dalot said the bond between those who remain fit will be key to a successful end to the season, with United chasing the FA Cup and Europa League as well as a top-four finish. “Every game is a fight, every game is do or die for everyone, so for us it has to be that mentality - every game is a final and we want to win it,” he added.
Dalot also hailed United's £85million match-winner Antony, who scored the opener and set up his goal. “Everybody is seeing he’s getting his rewards now. He works very hard every day to be at this top level.”
