Man Utd fans identify biggest defensive problem – it’s not just Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot was booed when he left the pitch during Manchester United’s draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, although Manchester United have identified more problems across the defence.

It’s damning that, as bad as Diogo Dalot has been, some Manchester United fans believe bigger problems exist in defence. That didn’t make a difference when the Portuguese international was booed as he left the pitch during Sunday’s 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Dalot’s performances warrant criticism, but not every United fan agrees with booing their own players. Many do, clearly. Just not all.

Michael Carrick defended Dalot after the disappointing draw against Villa, saying: “Dalot gives absolutely everything he’s got. He’s played in different positions; he’s played really well at times.”

Man Utd fans look at the bigger picture with defensive issues

A lot of United fans have turned on Dalot – but is he really the biggest problem? He’s rightly being criticised for his below-par performances, but there are wider problems in defence that shouldn’t be ignored.

Those problems were evident yet again as United had to come from behind twice to draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford. Senne Lammens was at fault for the first two goals, although Dalot was also caught out for the opener. The evening got worse for the Portugal international when he gave away a penalty at the start of the second half, which put the team back on the front foot after fighting their way back into the game.

The eight-goal affair on Sunday means United are the worst defensive side in Europe’s top five leagues, after conceding 30 goals across all competitions. On top of that, Lammens has yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season.

While most fans remain critical of Dalot, there are many who don’t believe he is the biggest or only reason in defence. The lack of investment in defence has resulted in many players – including Dalot – overstaying their welcome, despite being offered new deals by club chiefs. Some even went as far as to describe the 27-year-old as a “scapegoat”.

sihall7773 1 days ago This is on the club, they’ve held on to him for far too long. Carrick needs to go if this standard of player is seen as suitable. He’s not but that’s not his fault, that’s Carrick, ten hag and the rest of the hierarchy for relying on him so much. 3 Reply Report stephenjholmes1 1 days ago Dalot is the worst person to be using in our current predicament. When he has solid dependable centre backs next to him he can bomb forward, but we are in the middle of a crisis regarding the whole of the defence. Whoever is giving him the freedom to bomb forward is at fault. Equally what is he doing at Right Back. Masroui could have done that better. 1 Reply Report kilham.max 20h Harsh imo. A bit asinine to single out Dalot as a scapegoat. Understand the discontent but this is a bit far. 1 Reply Report jjflash422 18h I don’t agree with isolating 1 player to boo.Theres a few others within the squad who are never fit,who clearly don’t give a damn,and they probably earn a lot more than dalot.Hes playing left back,if Carricks telling him to play like a wing back,this is on him.Hes not playing well but who is.I think kobbie+lenny have done OK.The rest have been poor. 2 Reply Report

Dalot is quite clearly not good enough to be United’s first-choice full-back, but he is that due to a lack of investment in defence. The ownership and board must take responsibility for that, as well as Carrick, who has kept him in the team – even at left-back when overlooking academy hopeful Harry Amass.

It doesn’t help that Carrick rarely picks the same defence from one week to the next. That’s due to a combination of injuries, suspensions, and his own preferences at the back.

Phil Neville warns Man Utd’s defensive crisis could lead to relegation

Former United academy graduate Phil Neville has warned that the current defence could get the club relegated from the Premier League. He was covering the game as a pundit on USA Sports with his brother, Gary.

Disgusted with how United’s back four performed against Villa, Neville didn’t hold back in his assessment of some of Carrick’s defensive players. He said: “Mazraoui, Heaven, Yoro, and Dalot. That back four gets you relegated. That back four gets you the sack as a manager.”

"That back four gets you relegated. That back four gets you sacked as a manager." 😬

Phil Neville criticizes Man United's back four of Mazraoui, Heaven, Yoro, and Dalot, while Gary Neville calls it "rinse and repeat," saying nothing works, even with world-class managers ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xIRDgRI4LD

— USA Sports (@usasports)

November 8, 2026

Everyone connected with United, including Neville, wants to avoid a relegation dogfight. It’s hard to see this team overcoming unless they rediscover how to defend at the highest level.