Amorim broke Man Utd star’s 11-month streak, and then had to make quick rescue act decision

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If there is one thing we have become used to in 2024, it is seeing Diogo Dalot in the starting line-up.

For better or worse, Diogo Dalot has been an ever-present in Manchester United’s XIs, in every single game.

This is a run that goes back to last December on Boxing Day, where he had missed the preceding match against West Ham due to a suspension following a red card against Liverpool.

Since then Dalot has been United’s iron-man, starting every single match in every single competition.

Dalot left out

Diogo Dalot’s ever-presence in the starting XI has at times come to his detriment. There has been no allowance for form oscillating between good and bad, he has simply had to get back out there, often out of position at left-back.

Dalot was needed, due to the ongoing injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. But now with both fit again, some much needed rotation was applied.

Tyrell Malacia was introduced as a starter, playing in his first game since April 2023, excluding the 45 minutes he played in an under-21 game a fortnight ago.

It was an uncomfortable night for Malacia, who was outpaced and outfought for Bodo/Glimt’s second goal in United’s 3-2 win. It was quite simply a performance from a footballer who had not played for 18 months, and you can’t get too mad at him for that.

Malacia was taken off after 45 minutes. Was it pre-planned? If it was not, it probably had to happen anyway. He was a weak link, understandably, and Dalot was called upon as a more dependable option.

While not perfect, Dalot managed to help United get through the game without conceding in the second 45.

• READ MORE: Who is Diogo Dalot? Height, Salary, Position, Wife, Kids, Parents

Dalot on and not Shaw

There was were a couple takeaways from Diogo Dalot being called on at left-back in the second half ahead of Luke Shaw.

Firstly, that when it came to wanting to tighten things up, Dalot’s fitness and reliability meant he was still viewed as the more dependable option.

Perhaps more importantly, Amorim may not yet be convinced about Luke Shaw’s aptitude for the wing-back role, certainly as he returns to full fitness.

Shaw came of with half an hour to go, playing in the centre-back role for the second game in a row. In this three-at-the-back system, this could be where Shaw has a bigger future.

Having played in the position briefly under two previous managers, Shaw may end up settling in this role.

And that would mean we could see more of Diogo Dalot at left wing-back, while Tyrell Malacia gets up to speed.