Michael Carrick confirms why another Red is absent along with Casemiro vs Brighton after summer exit agreement

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at Stadium of Light on May 09, 2026 in Sunderland, England.
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Diogo Dalot has missed Manchester United’s final game of the campaign through injury.

The full-back was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui in the starting XI for today’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, meaning his focus is now fully on a swift recovery ahead of Portugal’s World Cup opener on June 17.

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Diogo Dalot turns attention to international duty

29 of Dalot’s 34 Premier League appearances this term have come as a starter, so he’ll be feeling aggrieved to have had to sit out this afternoon, especially with the Reds currently cruising to a comfortable victory at 3-0.

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It’s already been confirmed that the defender has been included in Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad, where he’ll link up with his club skipper Bruno Fernandes, who enters the tournament in world-class form after setting his own PL assist record.

Dalot tipped for surprising Real Madrid move

Reports in recent weeks have seen Dalot heavily linked with a shock switch to Real Madrid, primarily due to the impending arrival of new head coach Jose Mourinho. 

Mourinho signed the Braga native back in 2018 in a £19 million deal from Porto, and has seemingly set his sights on a reunion at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Long-serving right-back Dani Carvajal has bid farewell to Los Blancos before his contract expires at the end of June, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has also failed to impress in his maiden season, hence the new links to Dalot.

When pressed on why the 27-year-old had been left out of his side, Michael Carrick told reporters at the Amex: “He’s absolutely fine. Just rotation and getting the younger players into the squad.

“He’s been fantastic and played a lot of games. He’ll be with Portugal next week, so there are no worries.”

Why has Casemiro been left out?

Elsewhere, Casemiro has also been omitted on the final day.

He reached an agreement with United to be dropped for the fixture in order to begin his World Cup preparations early, as well as finalise an imminent switch to Inter Miami.

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1 Comment

  1. Dorgu was brilliant today. He caused havoc to the Brighton defenders and ended with a goal and assist before being substituted. He will be even better next season, now that Carrick know his best position.
    Now to get in the right players and we get a good start to the new season.

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