Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has voiced his belief that the club can reclaim the Premier League title under the guidance of manager Ruben Amorim, despite a turbulent start to the Portuguese coach’s tenure. Speaking candidly in an interview with the Local Supporters’ Club, Dalot expressed his optimism about United’s future while acknowledging the challenges of implementing a new style of play and restoring the club to its former glory.
A Mixed Start Under Amorim
Since taking over from Erik ten Hag late last year, Ruben Amorim has experienced the highs and lows of managing one of the world’s most scrutinised clubs. United have delivered some standout performances under his leadership, including impressive victories over Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as a hard-fought draw against Liverpool. However, these moments of brilliance have been overshadowed by humiliating defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued the team this season.
Amorim has repeatedly called for patience as he works to instil his philosophy and rebuild the squad. This sentiment has now been echoed by Dalot, who believes that the foundations for future success are being laid, even if the results have not always reflected the progress being made behind the scenes.
Dalot’s Vision for the Future
When asked about United’s potential under Amorim, Dalot did not shy away from setting lofty ambitions. “If you want me to be completely honest, with this manager, I think we can win a Premier League,” he said. “I think realistically we can win. But then it becomes the most difficult thing to hear as a fan: that it will take time.”
The Portuguese full-back emphasised the importance of creating the right environment for Amorim to succeed. “We need to create an environment where he has everything set for what he wants from the players. We need to also adapt to the system. It will take some time.”
Dalot’s confidence in Amorim stems from the manager’s approach and communication. “I’m really convinced that the way he conducts himself, the way that he communicates with players, the idea that he has… we can do it. Now it becomes the most difficult part, but being really honest and positive about it, I think we can win big trophies with this manager.”
The Challenge of Change
Dalot acknowledged the difficulties of transitioning to a new style of play while competing at the highest level. “Sometimes when you are going that way, you have a lot of things that you need to change, and there’s a lot of change going on at the club,” he explained. “It’s always difficult at this point where you want to change things but, at the same time, you need to win games. The last couple of months we have been trying to train during games, so it’s been a really tough process.”
Despite the challenges, Dalot remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “There’s some moments that we’ve shown we can be a good team; that we can do what the manager wants us to do. We’re just trying to find that consistency.”
Personal Pride and Resilience
Reflecting on his own journey at United, Dalot revealed that his proudest moment was not winning trophies but fighting to establish himself as a first-team regular. After joining from Porto in 2018, the 25-year-old initially struggled for game time and even spent a season on loan at AC Milan. However, his determination to succeed at Old Trafford has defined his time at the club.
“The most proud moment that I have at this club was actually starting not really well, not playing a lot of times, and fighting for my place in the team,” Dalot said. “Now, listen, people might like my football or not, but they cannot say that I don’t give everything for the club. That I don’t go to the pitch and I don’t feel what this club is about. That is the thing that I always try to pass from myself and from my team-mates and for the fans.”
Restoring Old Trafford’s Fear Factor
One of United’s most pressing issues this season has been their poor home form, particularly in the Premier League. Dalot admitted that the team must take responsibility for lifting the atmosphere at Old Trafford and making it a fortress once again.
“We cannot come to the stadium and rely on the fans to give us energy so we can play well. This time, it has to be the other way around,” he said. “We need to show that you need to support us because we are doing enough to win games, and that is the cycle that we want to put in, especially at home.”
Dalot vowed to help restore the fear factor that has long been associated with playing at Old Trafford. “Teams have to come here and be afraid to play against us. The reality is, at the moment, it’s not that. We have to go to that direction, because this is the history of the club.”
A Message to the Fans
Dalot’s comments reflect a player who understands the weight of representing Manchester United. His belief in Amorim’s project, combined with his own resilience and commitment, offers a glimmer of hope for fans who have endured a challenging season. While the road to success may be long, Dalot’s optimism and determination suggest that the club is moving in the right direction—even if patience is required.
As United continue their quest to return to the pinnacle of English football, Dalot’s words serve as a reminder of the passion and pride that define this historic club. With the right mindset and a united effort, the dream of Premier League glory under Ruben Amorim may yet become a reality.
