Diogo Dalot: Man United star continues renaissance under Michael Carrick

Manchester United’s resurgence under interim guidance continued with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Everton, the club’s fifth win in six outings since Michael Carrick took the reins. The result lifts United to fourth in the table, three points adrift of Aston Villa in third and, while the performance was short on flair, it brimmed with the resilience that has eluded the side in recent campaigns.

Central to the renaissance has been the re-energised form of Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot. Restored to his natural position, the 26-year-old produced another all-action display at Goodison Park, underpinning a rare away clean sheet while offering a consistent threat on the front foot.

Defensively, Dalot was immaculate. He recorded three tackles, winning 100 % of them, supplemented by four clearances and a key block to deny Everton a sight of goal. Aerially he dominated, claiming two of three duels, and he edged two of four ground contests to stifle the hosts’ wide threat.

In possession, Dalot’s influence was equally telling. Operating with 88 % pass accuracy, he threaded one key pass and advanced the ball ten times, completing his lone dribble to stretch the Toffees’ back line. The full-back even engineered two chances of his own: a first-half drive that whistled inches wide and a second-half effort that forced Jordan Pickford into a smart save after Dalot had surged unchecked down the right.

Tactical versatility also shone through in the closing stages. When Noussair Mazraoui entered the fray for the final quarter-hour, Dalot pushed higher up the pitch, helping United see out the victory and secure another precious three points in the race for Champions League qualification.

Dalot’s upward trajectory under Carrick is becoming impossible to ignore; Monday’s showing was further evidence that the defender has rediscovered confidence, consistency and a crucial edge at both ends of the pitch.