Manchester United's defensive resources have been stretched to breaking point following the confirmation that Diogo Dalot will be sidelined with a muscle injury. The Portuguese full-back was forced off during the latter stages of United's dramatic 4-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Thursday night.
The setback compounds a significant injury crisis for manager Erik ten Hag, who is already navigating the absences of key players. Dalot's versatility, having filled in admirably on both flanks of the defence, makes his loss particularly damaging for the Red Devils' backline stability.
Molineux Drama Comes at a Cost
The match itself was a rollercoaster, featuring two goals from Marcus Rashford and strikes from Rasmus Højlund and an own goal. However, Wolves staged a stunning late comeback, with Matheus Cunha's brace and a Max Kilman header levelling the score before Kobbie Mainoo's breathtaking winner sealed the points for United.
It was amidst this chaotic finale that Dalot picked up the knock. Initial assessments point to a muscular issue, though the club is awaiting further scans to determine the full extent and a likely timeframe for his return.
Ten Hag's Mounting Defensive Headache
Dalot now joins a crowded treatment room at Carrington. The influential Luke Shaw is also currently out with a separate injury, leaving United desperately short of experienced options at full-back. This forces Ten Hag into a potential reshuffle, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka likely to assume a permanent role on the right and young talent Sofyan Amrabat a possible candidate to deputise in an unfamiliar left-back position.
The timing could hardly be worse for the Dutch manager. With the Premier League title race and top-four battle intensifying, every point is crucial. Losing a consistent performer like Dalot tests the squad's depth and resilience to its limit.
All eyes will now be on Ten Hag's team selection for the upcoming fixtures as Manchester United looks to maintain its momentum despite this significant setback.
