How Dalot deals with criticism

The defender has been part of our success in recent years, including triumphs in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but has, on occasion, been the subject of criticism.

Dealing with that attention alongside performing week in, week out is no easy feat, a topic that Dalot discussed recently in a sit-down chat with former United star Rio Ferdinand, on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.

"I think it became a little bit more difficult because of, obviously, what is happening online nowadays," Dalot admitted when asked how he deals with that scrutiny.

"Everybody can say whatever they want.

"And unless you live in a cave, you’re going to be aware of what is being said or what is happening. But to be honest, because my football career, professional career, was all the time here, I had to learn how to balance that. I had to deal with it."

It's something Dalot has learnt to confront head-on, and his experience has enabled him to advise other members of the squad going through similar situations.

"What I always say, and I always try to pass to my teammates, [is that] as long as I wear this shirt, I will not hide and I will not play the victim.

"People will talk about you every single week, and if you play well, they will say you play well.

"It's one of the things that I try to put in my head all the time."

For the Portugal international, that includes remaining visible when something hasn't gone as planned.

"That's why you see me, if we lose a game, I will be there," he said.

"And now, having this responsibility, a little more of being one of the leaders at the club and in the squad, I think that's my responsibility also."