Carrick backs Dalot after United's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has jumped to the defence of Diogo Dalot, amid calls for the full-back to be dropped after Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old struggled for much of the match before substitute Patrick Dorgu came on to score a stoppage-time goal and provide an assist, rescuing a point for the home side.

Manager refuses to single out full-back

Starting at left-back, Dalot was slow to close down Alysson, whose goal for the visitors came after just 60 seconds. He later fouled the same player to concede an early second-half penalty. The display followed criticism of his positioning in Tuesday's 3-2 comeback win over Roma.

Asked at his post-match press conference whether supporter frustration should cost Dalot his place, Carrick said: "We've got to be careful with that, I think. I understand the frustration."

He added: "We're all frustrated. We're all disappointed. And the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that. Diogo gives absolutely everything. He's played in different positions. He's played left-back. He's played really well at times."

Dorgu's cameo and a rare comeback

The match swung back and forth. Nicolas Jackson put United 2-0 up in the fourth minute, but Bruno Fernandes and former Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans levelled before half-time. John McGinn's penalty and a Leon Goretzka strike then restored Villa's two-goal lead.

Dorgu's late intervention helped United become the first Premier League team to come back from two goals down twice in one match.

Carrick said one error should not overshadow Dalot's wider contribution. "He gave a penalty away. That's, you know... he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better," he said. "But he cares an awful lot, and he's given everything. So, I like what he brings to the team. I like what he brings to the group. I like what he brings to the whole environment and the culture that we've got."

On the team selection for the next game, Carrick said: "Picking the team and who plays the next game, that's a whole different decision."

League position a concern after break

Despite the late drama, United go into the international break in 18th place, with one win, five draws and four defeats from 10 league games. It is their lowest top-flight position at this stage of a season since they were 20th in 1986-87.

The result also extended their winless league run to eight matches, only the second time they have gone that long without a league win since April to May 2025.

When league action resumes, Carrick faces a significant selection decision at left-back.