Carrick defends Dalot after Manchester United fans boo full-back in 4-4 Villa draw

Michael Carrick publicly defended Diogo Dalot after the Manchester United right-back was jeered off the pitch by his own supporters during a chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford, while declining to confirm whether Dalot would retain his place after the international break.

Dalot was substituted in the second half, with Old Trafford cheering when his number was shown on the board before turning to boos as he walked off. The 27-year-old received a consoling hug from Joshua Zirkzee on the bench — a gesture that mirrored the reception Zirkzee himself endured against Newcastle a couple of years ago.

Carrick acknowledged the frustration of the crowd but was measured in his response, insisting Dalot’s commitment and contribution to the squad should not be overlooked despite a difficult afternoon that included conceding a penalty.

“We’ve got to be careful with that, I think,” Carrick said in his post-match press conference. “I understand the frustration, I understand the disappointment of the supporters, so I get it. We’re all frustrated, we’re all disappointed, and the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that.”

“Diogo, he gives absolutely everything. He’s played in different positions, he’s played left-back, he’s played really well at times. He gives a penalty away today. Maybe he can do a little bit better, all right, that’s part of it, he’s made a mistake, but he cares an awful lot and he’s giving everything.”

Carrick was equally clear that team selection for the next fixture remains a separate question entirely. “I like what he brings to the team, I like what he brings to the group, I like what he brings to the whole environment and the culture that we’ve got. Picking a team and who plays the next game, that’s a whole different decision, but it’s a whole different game that we’ve got to look forward to now.”

Carrick also confirmed that Harry Maguire was withdrawn at half-time due to a back spasm that left the 33-year-old centre-back unable to continue, adding to United’s injury concerns heading into the break.