Manchester United wingback Diogo Dalot is a firm believer in his head coach Ruben Amorim, as he tips the club to go far with the 39-year-old at the helm.
The club appointed the Portuguese manager as a replacement for Erik ten Hag who was sacked in October following a disastrous start to the season. But aside from a few positive flashes, the Red Devils remain in a dire state, currently residing in the 13th place in the Premier League table.
Therefore, a Man Utd league triumph currently sounds like a far-fetched, perhaps even outlandish prospect. Nevertheless, Dalot believes the club can achieve it under the tutelage of his compatriot while urging the club and his teammates the put their faith in the new manager and embrace his project.
“With this manager, I think we can win a Premier League. Realistically, we can win.” claimed the Portugal international via the club’s official website.
“But then it becomes the most difficult thing to hear as a fan: that it will take time.”
“I understand. I’m a player but, at the same time, I know what you feel. I know that this club is thirsty to win and everybody wants to win.
“We’re not talking about cups – I know that is important, to win trophies – but what brought this club to what it is is big trophies.
Diogo Dalot insists Man United can win the EPL with Ruben Amorim
Dalot invites the club the create the right atmosphere to help the squad secure the desired silverware.
“I think we can win a Premier League with this manager but at the same time, we need to create an environment where he has everything set for what he wants from the players. We need to also adapt to the system. It will take some time.
“Obviously we cannot think too much ahead but I’m really convinced that the way he conducts himself, the way that he communicates with players, the idea that he has… we can do it.”
Amorim needs time. He’s making progress, if you look at the system he’s building rather than the immediate results. He has dramatically lowered the non-contact injury rate (you can’t count Shaw and Mount who are always injured) and improved defence and possession stats. Attack is yet to come – he’s quite limited by a few factors – wing backs, strikers, and bottlenecks in midfield (the ‘cogs’ don’t yet mesh together). Intensity, and speed of action, still has a way to go but I think that will come.
It’s all still a work-in-progess and …. this is the key point …. it will take multiple seasons and windows to reach PL-winning form. Fans and pundits need patience. I agree with Diogo Dalot in that the ‘ceiling’ of performance is much higher than with Ten Hag or some prior managers – counter attacking would only ever get Man Utd so far and that style will always revolve around ‘moments’ instead of ‘system’.
On Dalot, give him time, too. He’s not good on the left but can be quite decent on the right. He has a good work rate, is always fit and remains very positive. It took a full season for him to grow into the role Ten Hag defined for him, and that’s what he does – he consistently applies himself to incrementally improve – so allow him the time to grow into the new role under Amorim …. but, please, on the right.