Diogo Dalot accepts that part of the criticism has been understandable this season, since the men of Ruben Amorim are on track for the worst finish of United of the Premier League era.
Diogo Dalot could no longer agree with the saying that Manchester United is hated, worshiped but never ignored. The Portuguese International is in Old Trafford in his eighth year – and that has been long enough to hear that no club splits the Reds as the Reds.
Dalot, 26, accepts part of the criticism this season is understandable, since the men of Ruben Amorim are on track for the worst finish of United of the Premier League era.
But with the campaign that was still alive after the spectacular comeback victory on Lyon victory on Thursday evening, which booked a place in the semi-final of the Europa League, the versatile defender has claimed that it is the burning wish to prove the Doubters incorrectly that is the push for Glorie.
Dalot said: “The criticism will never stop – even if we compete for all the cups and competitions. There would still be criticism because it is Manchester United – and people will always want you to fail. When you sign for this club, you have to be ready to get that kind of mentality of people and deal with it.
“But 100 percent can be an inspiration. When you play for such a large club, the lighting is so high that you have to be ready to take the criticism and use it as a fuel to motivate yourself.
“That is what helps you to come to moments such as those against Lyon. This season has been a roller coaster of emotions, but we have to appear at these times.
“Against Lyon we showed how much we wanted to win and to continue to the next phase – and I am so happy that we did that. That is what we have to keep doing.
“We had a few moments this season, when we had the game in the last minute – and this was one of them. We never stopped getting believed that we could win and turn it around. It was very special.”
United is now confronted with Athletic Bilbao for the right to meet Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final. But first, Amorim has to concentrate on the company of three Premier League points at home for Wolves, knowing that the Midlands Club will draw on 38 points on 38 points if they win at Old Trafford.
Dalot admits that the sight to see United in the lower echelons of the Premier League table is painful. And he accepts that Amorim must strive to bring more consistency for his team after United had thrown away a 2-0 lead against Lyon before he had to score three times during extra time during extra time to retain a French team that had been reduced to 10 men.
Dalot said: “We are husband United – and of course we are fighting a lot to get out of this situation. It is clear that we need more control. If we admit goals, I think we should keep a little more emotional control.
“We don't just want a few special moments. We try to be more consistent in terms of designs and results. But if it's time to play in the European competition, it's knockout games. You just have to win and get through and we'll do that this season.
“The pressure is normal. This club without European nights makes no sense. So if we want to have part of that next season, we have to fight because it will be difficult. We have to be there.”
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