MICHAEL CARRICK has warned Manchester United supporters to “be careful” with how they treat players after Diogo Dalot was booed during the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.
Dalot’s 66th-minute substitution with United 4-2 down was wildly cheered by supporters and the right back was then loudly booed as he headed towards the touchline.
The 27-year-old was , who received similar treatment when he was hooked in the first half of United’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in December 2024.
Dalot started at left back and was culpable for Alysson’s opening goal before he conceded a 47th-minute penalty by tripping the Brazilian at 2-2.
United supporters booed Dalot as he skulked off the pitch after the 3-0 drubbing by Bournemouth last month and he has effectively become the matchgoers’ main scapegoat.
Dalot joined United from Porto in 2018 and is under contract until 2028, with the option of an additional year.
The Portuguese made his 260th United appearance against Villa and he is the squad’s longest servant with sidelined through injury.
Dalot’s replacement, , nodded in .
“We’ve got to be careful with that, I think,” Carrick said of the reaction to Dalot’s substitution.
“I understand the frustration, I understand the disappointment of the supporters, so I get it.
“We’re all frustrated, we’re all disappointed, and the players are as much as anyone, I guarantee you that.
“Diogo, he 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, he knows that. Maybe he can do a little bit better, all right, that’s part of it, he’s made a mistake, but he cares an awful lot and he’s giving 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.
“Picking a team and who plays the next game, that’s a whole different decision, but it’s a whole different game that we’ve got to look forward to now.”
Carrick also confirmed that Harry Maguire was forced off at half-time after suffering a back spasm.
Maguire was replaced by Ayden Heaven, who was booked.
