Diogo Dalot has admitted that he has been more ‘hurt’ by one void in Manchester United’s 2025-26 season than Ruben Amorim’s exit from Old Trafford in January.
Ruben Amorim’s 14-month reign as Manchester United manager ended after his fractured relationship with Ineos led to his dismissal from the Red Devils.
The 41-year-old Portuguese coach had experienced a turbulent 2025-26 campaign with United, including an early — and shocking — exit from the Carabao Cup.
Diogo Dalot had been a key defensive pick under former United manager Amorim during his fellow countryman’s ill-fated managerial spell at Old Trafford.
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Man Utd’s limited fixture run hurts Diogo Dalot in a much bigger way than Ruben Amorim’s dismissal
Michael Carrick was installed as interim Manchester United head coach until the end of the season after former Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim was axed by the club.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a turnaround in form under United legend Michael Carrick, but the Premier League club have been limited to a 40-match season.
United exited the Carabao Cup last August under Amorim after a shock defeat before the Red Devils were knocked out of the FA Cup in January under Darren Fletcher.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Diogo Dalot admitted that United’s absence from the Champions League and cup competitions has ‘hurt’ the Red Devils so far.
“It’s hurt to see our Premier League rivals involved in the Champions League and cup finals,” he said.
“Personally, I think this has been the most difficult season in that aspect – being at home watching everyone else play while we are just training.”
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With the Red Devils’ exits from the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, United have experienced huge waiting periods between Premier League matches.
Man Utd also had no European football for the 2025-26 campaign after Amorim’s men experienced a lacklustre 15th-place finish under his reign last season.
Dalot has told United fans that the Red Devils are not to the standards that they should be and insisted that his side must do better in all competitions.
“It’s nowhere near where this club should be,” he added.
“However, it gives you even more hunger and a sense of responsibility to ensure that when we are back in those competitions.
“We never take those moments for granted.”
Man Utd will return to Premier League action on 13th April and the Red Devils will host Leeds United at Old Trafford for an 8pm kick-off time in the UK.
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