Michael Carrick defends Diogo Dalot after his penalty mistake in Manchester United’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, praising the defender’s commitment

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has defended Diogo Dalot following criticism from supporters after the Portuguese defender conceded a penalty in the club’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

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Dalot brought down Aston Villa’s Alysson inside the penalty area, allowing John McGinn to convert from the spot during an eventful encounter that featured several momentum swings and two stoppage-time goals from United.

The defender faced a negative reaction from sections of the home supporters, prompting questions about whether Carrick understood their frustration and whether Dalot should retain his place in the team.

However, the United manager acknowledged the mistake while insisting that the 27-year-old remained committed to the club and continued to make a positive contribution.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, published on Manchester United’s official website on Monday, Carrick said he understood the disappointment among supporters and players.

“We’re all frustrated. We’re all disappointed. And the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that,” he said.

Defending Dalot, the former United midfielder highlighted the defender’s willingness to play in different positions, including left-back, and said his mistake should be considered alongside his overall contribution.

“Diogo gives absolutely everything. He’s played in different positions. He’s played left-back. He’s played really well at times. He gives a penalty away today. That’s, you know… he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better. Alright, that’s part of it, he’s made a mistake,” Carrick said.

He also praised Dalot’s attitude and influence within the squad, saying the defender cared deeply about the club and had given everything for the team.

“But he cares an awful lot, and he’s given everything. So I like what he brings to the team. I like what he brings to the group. I like what he brings to the whole environment and the culture that we’ve got,” he added.

Asked whether Dalot would keep his place in the starting line-up, Carrick said team selection was a separate decision from his assessment of the player’s commitment and contribution.

“Picking the team and who plays the next game, that’s a whole different decision,” he said.

Carrick also confirmed that Dalot was coping with the criticism when asked directly about the defender’s response.

Beyond the penalty incident, the United manager expressed disappointment that his team had failed to secure victory despite what he considered a strong overall performance.

United scored twice in stoppage time to rescue a point, but Carrick said avoidable defensive errors had made the match more difficult than necessary.

“We’re kind of beating ourselves a little bit, with the moments really that we’re giving away and goals that we’re giving away in tight clusters, that are making it a lot more difficult,” he said.

He stressed that football was often decided by key moments, particularly in both penalty areas, and argued that United needed to eliminate the mistakes that had cost them goals.

Carrick nevertheless believed his side had been the better team for much of the contest.

“I actually thought we’ve played pretty well and were the better team for the most part, and I’m disappointed that we still haven’t won the game, to be truthful,” he said.

He added that United had applied pressure, defended and pressed well, but had allowed Villa to capitalise on important moments before finishing strongly to claim a draw.

The manager also rejected suggestions that United’s defensive problems were caused by a lack of concentration, describing the errors as individual incidents rather than a recurring pattern.

Carrick expressed confidence that the team could address the problems after the international break, although he acknowledged that defensive improvement was urgently needed.

He also confirmed that defender Harry Maguire was substituted at half-time because of a new back problem.

“He’s had a really bad back spasm,” Carrick said.

United will now use the international break to regroup, with several players expected to join their national teams.

Carrick said the remaining squad members would continue training, have some time off and prepare for the next competitive fixture.

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Despite the disappointing draw, he said he remained clear about the direction in which he wanted to take the team and was confident there was enough quality within the squad to improve.