Diogo Dalot has claimed that Manchester United must look to improve one aspect of their game ahead of Michael Carrick’s arrival as caretaker head coach.
Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim last Monday after the Portuguese coach and Jason Wilcox had a concerning meeting in the days beforehand.
Since then, Darren Fletcher has taken charge on an interim basis and United have lost against Brighton in the FA Cup and drawn with Burnley in the Premier League.
With the Manchester derby coming next, United are set to appoint Michael Carrick as the caretaker head coach for the rest of the season.
The ex-midfielder will be tasked with turning things around at Old Trafford and guiding the team back towards a push to challenge for the top five positions in the league.
Dalot: United ‘have to look at’ improving one thing under Carrick
Carrick is not coming into an easy job and he will have his work cut out if United are going to improve, but there is one main aspect of the team that must improve quickly.
The Reds have conceded 32 goals in the Premier League so far this season. Only the bottom six sides have conceded more than that.
Ironically, many fans have lauded recent displays from Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez, while Luke Shaw has also been praised for positive form. Yet, the team continues to concede goals.
Diogo Dalot, who wasted two opportunities against Brighton and also was caught out of position for one of the goals, has claimed that the Reds must improve defensively.
“I think that’s something we have to look at,” Dalot told club reporters when asked about the defensive record. “We are in the phase where every attack they have is a threat to us, we are conceding so few shots on target.
“But we concede one goal at least every game. I still believe we’re going to score every game. We are a threat, but when it’s time to defend, we need more urgency as a team.”
How does Carrick improve United defensively
On paper, United should have a team that can become more defensively solid. The defence is arguably the team’s strongest area in terms of depth and Harry Maguire’s recent return from injury is a boost for Carrick.
The caretaker boss will be aiming to make things simple in defence for the Reds. Closing down shots, putting bodies on the line and limiting space for opposition strikers has not been good enough.
Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu were both passive for Danny Welbeck’s strike on the weekend, while Martínez backed onto his goal-line rather than challenging Georginio Rutter in the box for the opener.
There also has to be a team effort to defending the goal, and finding the best midfield balance will be another one of Carrick’s concerns, as that could also help the team defensively.
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