Bruno Fernandes remains the most important player for Manchester United under Michael Carrick, but another talent has become undroppable.
Michael Carrick has benefitted from Bruno Fernandes in the same vein as his predecessors, with the Manchester United captain sensational.
Fernandes has been labelled the best in the league by Owen Hargreaves, with his performances over the years justifying that tag.
As important as Fernandes is, in the 12 games managed by Carrick, another trend has emerged highlighting the importance of another player.
ANOTHER assist for Bruno Fernandes! Surely now he breaks the record!!!
Diogo Dalot is a new undroppable for Manchester United
Since United appointed Carrick interim in January, there have been 12 Premier League games, with eight wins, two draws, and two defeats.
Among the first names on the team sheet in this time has been Diogo Dalot, with the Portuguese full-back starting 10 of the games.
However, Carrick has dropped Dalot twice, and both times his importance has been clear.
United’s defeat to Leeds saw Dalot dropped for Noussair Mazraoui to start. While United’s 2-1 loss vs Newcastle was also in the absence of Dalot.
With Dalot in the starting line-up, Carrick is unbeaten. With Dalot’s unbeaten run when starting in the Premier League, stretching back to December 21st.
Given Mazraoui’s role in United losing to Leeds, perhaps starting the number two would have seen Carrick avoid defeat.
This unbeaten record isn’t matched by anyone else, even Fernandes. It speaks volumes to his importance and how he was over-criticised earlier this season.
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Dalot’s performance against Chelsea by numbers
After his absence at right back was felt against Leeds, Dalot was excellent against Chelsea, with his numbers from the match testament to this.
- 1st overall for tackles: 3 (= Casemiro and Mainoo)
- 1st (United) for ball recoveries: 5 (= Casemiro and Mainoo)
- 2nd (United) for touches in opposition box: 2 (= Cunha)
- 2nd (United) for 1v1 duels won: 4/5 (80%)
- 2nd (United) for aerial duels won: 2/2 (100%)
Dalot’s consistency has been key for United, as he emphasised the importance on MUTV after the game.
“The difference is consistency. We have another important match at Old Trafford, and we need to show the same mentality — that will decide whether we reach that level or not.
“We know there are a handful of games left, and we have to be really focused, and every point and every win we get will get us even closer to our main goal this season, and I think we have everything we need to do it.”
Dalot has been among the biggest success stories under Michael Carrick
Dalot’s form for United since Carrick’s arrival, and the team reverting to a back four, deserves serious praise considering where he was under Ruben Amorim.
In the 3-4-2-1 system, Dalot was repeatedly highlighted as a weak point, which was simply due to these qualities unsuited to playing as a wing-back.
However, as a full-back, there are few better in the league than Dalot.
Dalot has returned to being the player he was always capable of being as a right-back, with his ability being pivotal in Carrick’s Champions League football push.
Right-back is not a weakness for United, with Dalot performing to this level. His place as a leader and instant starter can no longer be questioned.
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