After the FA Cup loss, one MU player is under heavy fire from supporters for his disappointing display.
MU lost 1-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford, ending their FA Cup run this season after just one match. Previously, MU had already shocked fans by being knocked out by fourth-tier Grimsby in the Carabao Cup. This marks the first time in 44 years that the Red Devils have been eliminated from both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in their opening matches of the competitions.
After the loss to Brighton, MU fans focused their criticism on Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese right-back had a poor game, most notably missing clear chances early on. Many fans also pointed out Dalot was out of position during MU’s first conceded goal.
User Franco Baller commented: “Manchester United always sack a coach each season but can’t sell Diogo Dalot. How is that possible?”
Meanwhile, Resh de la Rocha wrote on X: “Diogo Dalot should just shut up. He can’t defend, can’t shoot, can’t cross. Just leave this club.”.
At the same time, user Et!!nyene remarked: “For the first time in over a year, MU faced Brighton in the FA Cup under Darren Fletcher’s guidance, with almost every player in their natural position except Diogo Dalot. And everyone knows one thing: Dalot’s best position should have been... on the bench.”.
User Lola Elise harshly criticized Dalot for MU’s first conceded goal: “Look where Dalot was standing when Brighton crossed for the goal. I have no idea what he was watching.”.
Along with Luke Shaw, Dalot is one of the longest-serving players at MU. Each era brought a different philosophy and direction, leading to numerous personnel changes. Most players came and went, but Dalot has remained.
Dalot has played under more than seven managers and featured in the final matches before each coach’s departure. From Mourinho, Solskjaer to Rangnick, Ten Hag, Van Nistelrooy, and Amorim, the Portuguese defender was present in matches marking the end of an era. This has unintentionally made him a rare witness to the continuous changes at Old Trafford.
According to Spotrac, Dalot’s contract with MU runs until the end of the 2027/28 season. Therefore, summer 2026 will be a crucial time to decide his future at Old Trafford. If MU plans to sell Dalot, that would be the ideal moment before his value starts to decline due to the contract length. Conversely, if they want to keep him, that would also be the right time to begin negotiations.
The anger of MU fans regarding Dalot’s situation might be a bad sign for the Portuguese defender at this critical time.
MU recreates a sad record after 44 years and echoes of history MU will play a maximum of 40 matches across all competitions this season after losing 1-2 to Brighton at Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round. This defeat eliminated the Red Devils from both domestic cups in their opening rounds, something that hasn’t happened since the 1981/82 season. See more