Diogo Dalot believes Manchester United's response against Roma showed supporters that the players want to change their situation. In a new interview published by The Guardian, he described the second-half performance as a source of confidence after recent criticism.
Explaining the advanced role
Dalot confirmed Michael Carrick had instructed him to push high up the pitch. United knew Roma would use man-to-man marking, he said, but needed to avoid central turnovers that could expose the space behind him.
The opening goal followed a midfield loss of possession, with Roma attacking the left-back area for Matias Soule to score. Dalot was also committed forward before the penalty that produced the second goal. He said United tried to correct the balance immediately afterwards.
The 3-2 result, completed through Bruno Fernandes' retaken penalty and two late Matheus Cunha goals, provides the background to that explanation.
Attitude and the crowd
Dalot highlighted the early second-half minutes, when United began winning duels and playing on the front foot. In his assessment, that response brought the crowd behind the team and created additional energy.
Fernandes also discussed the supporters' backing in comments relayed by Bongda24h. He said players understood the fans' disappointment and needed results to repay their belief.
Dalot wants United to avoid becoming discouraged too quickly when moments go against them. The next fixture identified by the source is the home meeting with Aston Villa, where the team seek to maintain the response shown after half-time against Roma.