Manchester United star says losing cannot become “the norm” – Sends message after difficult start

Diogo Dalot says Manchester United cannot allow losing to become “the norm”, after their disappointing start to the season.

The Red Devils began their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat at newly-promoted Hull City. They responded by beating Ipswich Town 5-2, before drawing 2-2 at Everton.

Dalot has now discussed that start in a wide-ranging interview with DAZN Portugal.

There’s no hiding from the expectations at Old Trafford, and Dalot knows that better than most after almost nine years at the club.

“The biggest challenge of being a Manchester United player is managing expectations, especially because of the noise that comes from outside,” he said.

“We always try to keep that noise away from what we do every day, but it can also be difficult to know how to deal with this situation, especially for players who don’t have much experience at the club.”

Dalot believes the more experienced members of the squad have a responsibility here.

“With the experience I have, and with many of my teammates who have also been here for some time, we try to get the message across that the more balanced we are throughout the year, and the more consistent we are emotionally and professionally, the better we’ll be able to deal with these ups and downs.”

Losing cannot be normal at Manchester United

Last season had created optimism around Manchester United, making their first result particularly frustrating.

“The big advantage we had last season was that we left a very positive impression, creating expectations among the fans and also among ourselves that, this year, we can compete,” Dalot explained.

“Obviously, when you have those expectations and then start in the worst possible way, it’s disappointing, especially for the fans.”

“In football, winning and losing are part of the game, but we’re at a club where that cannot become the norm. Manchester United was built to compete for and win trophies, and we know that, to be here, we have to win as many games as possible.”

The defender doesn’t think one bad result should wipe out everything United did during their preparations.

“Sometimes you finish pre-season feeling confident and then things start badly. That doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve done a bad job or that things won’t go well.”

“I think it’s also about trying to understand the game: what went wrong, what we could have done better. Often the result hides many of the things that we actually did well during the game.”

“But football is like that, and that’s part of playing for a big club like Manchester United. People will look at the result, and what we did during the game becomes less relevant.”

“What matters, obviously, is winning. But the good thing about football is what I always say: there’s always another opportunity to improve and correct the things we didn’t do so well.”

Dalot wants United fighting for everything in May

There isn’t much ambiguity about what Dalot expects from Manchester United this season. He wants Champions League football, trips to Wembley and a Premier League title challenge. Getting there will require sacrifices from the squad.

“Every player has to make that self-assessment and understand what they need to sacrifice this year to get to May and still be competing for every trophy,” he said.

“You have to make choices, whether personally or professionally. It might mean spending less time with your family to spend more time at the training ground recovering, or whatever it may be.”

“It’s about creating those routines every day because, as soon as you get into a schedule where you’re playing every three days, it becomes difficult.”

“But that’s what we want: to play in the Champions League, be at Wembley, compete in cup finals and get to May fighting for the Premier League title.”

Dalot thinks United now have the squad to cope with that workload.

“We’re creating a good environment within the group, a strong squad, and I believe we can handle this schedule and accumulate these games, while always having good options within the squad.”

He also gave an insight into what that workload demands from him personally.

“To keep myself well physically and mentally, I have to give my maximum every day, whether that’s in training, outside training or at home, spending time with my loved ones and my family.”

No regrets over Old Trafford move

Dalot was only 19 when he left Porto for Manchester United in 2018. José Mourinho’s side paid €22m (£19m) for him, and the move didn’t immediately go to plan. An injury even left Dalot wondering whether he had made a mistake.

“I arrived here, suffered an injury and that put everything into question: whether it had been the right decision, whether it was going to work out or not. Almost nine years later, when I look back, I can see it was the right decision.”

“I think in life we always have to have the courage not to be afraid of taking risks and to have ambition. At that moment, it was important for me to take a big step, leaving FC Porto, but also the right step.”

Dalot believes those difficult periods at United ultimately helped him.

“I know that made me a mentally stronger player because I went through many difficult moments, especially here.”

“I’ve ended up spending almost my entire professional career at United, away from my country, in the most difficult league in the world.”

“I think that gives you experiences and also brings emotional and professional maturity. Any player who goes through those moments develops the ability to deal later with situations like this.”

“That’s when expectations are created and things don’t happen exactly as you want, but you’re able to react in a more balanced way.”

Well, the talent and expectations are clearly there. Now he wants United to find the consistency needed to make sure they’re still fighting for the biggest prizes when May comes around.