“Real leader” – Carrick told Man Utd that ‘underrated’ Red must remain at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is determined to keep Diogo Dalot at the club at all costs, as he considers him a key piece in his tactical jigsaw.

Having joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2018, the Portuguese international is considered one of the most senior players at the club. He has thus far made 246 appearances for MUFC, contributing with 10 goals and 20 assists.

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The right-back initially struggled to carve out a place in the team, so he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at AC Milan, before returning to Old Trafford and becoming a staple at the club.

Michael Carrick refuses to sanction Diogo Dalot’s departure

In recent days, Dalot emerged as a transfer target for Real Madrid. The 27-year-old is reportedly wanted by his compatriot and former Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho, who is about to finalise his return to the Spanish capital side.

But according to the Manchester Evening News journalist Tyronne Marshall, the Premier League giants have no plans to deprive themselves of the player’s services this summer, especially with Carrick keen to retain him.

The source notes that Dalot might not be every fan’s Cup of Tea, but he is ‘valued’ at the club for his personality and professionalism, and is considered a ‘real leader’ in the dressing room.

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Marshall also notes that the Braga native was played slightly out of position by Ruben Amorim (as a wing-back on both flanks). However, his performances improved when Carrick restored him to his original right-back role. The head coach reportedly appreciates the full-back’s ‘underrated’ role in the short-passing range.

Therefore, MEN expect Man Utd to head into the 2026/27 campaign with the same right-back options of Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui, while focusing on bolstering other departments.

Carrington insider Sully also confirmed this news in his latest update on RoundTable. The journalist reveals that Carrick has already informed the club that Dalot ‘must remain’ at Old Trafford.

Why Carrick is keen to keep Diogo Dalot

Although he isn’t the most explosive full-back, the Poto youth product has been a regular starter under successive Man Utd managers for a reason.

Carrick’s insistence on maintaining Dalot is best justified by the team’s results since the 44-year-old took over from Amorim in January.

Curiously, Carrick never lost a match with Dalot in his starting lineup. On the contrary, the United head coach never won a contest with the Portuguese omitted from the starting lineup.

Therefore, Dalot might just be Carrick’s lucky charm, so one could hardly fault the manager for his desire to keep him at Carrington.