Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has expressed his gratitude towards the club fans after a dismal 2023-24 season has almost come to its end. It has been a tough last year for Manchester United, with poor results on the pitch and issues and controversies off it. However, Dalot admitted how the fans’ unwavering support has been a pillar of strength for the team.
In an interview with journalist James Ducker, Diogo Dalot talked about the season, its highs and lows. During the interview, Dalot admitted that the fans have always been behind the team throughout the season. The Portuguese defender even went to the extent of stating that the team wasn’t always deserving of the fans’ support, especially after their humiliating 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
Diogo Dalot:
“I’m going to be really honest with you, after that game against Palace, the way the fans were supporting us, it was almost like a feeling that we didn’t deserve that.”
(@TelegraphDucker) pic.twitter.com/tKOU9GN3KH
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) May 23, 2024
Dalot said, “I’m going to be really honest with you, after that game against Palace, the way the fans were supporting us, it was almost like a feeling that we didn’t deserve that.” Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Premier League, Manchester United finished the season in eighth place on the league table. The Red Devils will not play in any European competition, following their poor finish domestically.
Several players are expected to leave the club in the coming few weeks, with speculations also arising over the club manager, Erik ten Hag. Nevertheless, the Manchester United players will have something to salvage from what’s left of this season, the FA Cup final. Erik ten Hag’s men will take on Premier League winners Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 25.
Diogo Dalot expresses his full support for Erik ten Hag
Diogo Dalot also expressed his support for under-fire head coach Erik ten Hag, whose future at the club is up in the air. Ten Hag has been targeted largely for United’s disappointing season, more so because of his off-the-pitch issues with his players. Amid rumors of Ten Hag being reportedly sacked by the United board, Dalot has promised his staunch support for his manager.
“With players and the manager, we have a good connection and he’s been an amazing manager in terms of trying to put us back on top.”
Diogo Dalot tells @hirstclass that pressure on Erik ten Hag doesn’t sit easily with him as he looks towards FA Cup finalhttps://t.co/3tRGh2eXES
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) May 24, 2024
The United defender said, “We look to him (Erik ten Hag) as our leader. Normally this is what leaders do; they always take the bullets for everyone.“ Dalot further admitted that instead of just blaming the manager, the responsibility for United’s below-par campaign also lies on the players. Lastly, Dalot praised Ten Hag and called him an “amazing manager“, praising his efforts in trying to bring United back on top.
Diogo Dalot wins Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year
Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot has received cognizance of his performances throughout the season as he was recently named Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the Year winner. Dalot has been a consistent performer in what has been a highly inconsistent and difficult season for Manchester United. He recorded 49 appearances this season, the most by any outfield player at the club.
Such an honour to be awarded as Player’s Player of the Year for this amazing club ❤️
Thank you to my teammates for making this possible! pic.twitter.com/MTH9jJEw9o— Diogo Dalot (@DalotDiogo) May 23, 2024
He also became the first Portuguese player to win the award since ex-United star Nani won it back in the 2010-11 season. Besides Dalot, Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year 2023-24. Lastly, Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho’s out-of-the-world goal against Everton has been voted as Manchester United’s goal of the season.