Diogo Dalot accepts some of the criticism this season has been understandable given that Ruben Amorim’s men are on course for United’s worst finish of the Premier League era.
Diogo Dalot couldn't agree more with the saying that Manchester United are hated, adored but never ignored. The Portuguese international is in his eighth year at Old Trafford - and that’s been long enough to learn that no club splits opinion like the Reds.
Dalot, 26, accepts some of the criticism this season has been understandable given that Ruben Amorim’s men are on course for United’s worst finish of the Premier League era.
But with the campaign still alive after the spectacular comeback win over Lyon win Thursday night that booked a place in the Europa League semi-finals, the versatile defender has claimed that it’s the burning desire to prove the doubters wrong that’s fuelling the push for glory and a ticket back to the Champions League.
Dalot said: “The criticism will never stop - even if we were competing for all cups and competitions. There would still be criticism because it’s Manchester United - and people will always want you to fail. When you sign for this club you have to be ready to get that type of mentality from people and deal with it.
“But 100 percent it can be an inspiration. When you are playing for such a big club like this, the exposure is so high that you have to be ready to take the criticism and use it as fuel to motivate yourself.
“That’s what helps you come to moments like the one against Lyon. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions this season but in these moments we need to show up.
“Against Lyon we showed how much we wanted to win and to get through to the next phase - and I’m so happy we did. That’s what we have to keep doing.
“We’ve had some moments this season, when we have won the game in the last minute - and this was just one more of them. We never stopped believing that we could win and turn it round. It was very special.”
United now face Athletic Bilbao for the right to meet either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final. But first Amorim must concentrate on the business of three Premier League points at home to Wolves knowing that the midlands club will draw level with them on 38 points if they win at Old Trafford.
Dalot admits that the sight of seeing United in the bottom echelons of the Premier League table is painful. And he accepts that Amorim must strive to bring more consistency to his team after United threw away a 2-0 lead against Lyon before needing to score three times in seven minutes during extra-time to edge out a French team that had been reduced to 10 men.
Dalot said: “We’re Man United - and obviously we’re fighting a lot to get out of this situation. It’s obvious we need more control. When we concede goals, I think we need to keep a bit more emotional control.
“We don’t just want to have a few special moments. We are trying to be more consistent in terms of performances and results. But when it's time to play in European competition, it's knock-out games. You just need to win and get through and we've been doing that this season.
“The pressure is normal. This club without European nights doesn't make any sense. So if we want to have a part of that next season we have to fight because it's going to be hard. We need to be there.”