Dalot: It's about being a complete squad
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has spoken of the positive feeling around the squad following three wins in a week.
The full-back added that he believes the spirit among the group will help the Reds continue to build towards future success.
“I think that this is what will take us to places,” he told club media, following our 1-0 victory against Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League.
The win at Old Trafford saw Scott McTominay become the fourth different substitute to net for United in three matches – something which Dalot believes shows real strength in depth.
Dalot: Being a squad will take us places
Diogo Dalot feels the growing team spirit at United will be so important as we move forward...
“Be a squad as a full, not just 11 or 12, 13 players, be a complete squad and I think everyone feels that they can get a chance if they work hard, if they fight for it.
“I think this competition is healthy for everyone – especially us as players. It always improves us and I think, as a squad, it’s the best that you can have.”
Diogo said there is also evidence of the players developing into how Erik ten Hag wants his side to perform.
“I think we still have a lot of time and space to improve, but the games are coming fast so we have to be prepared each game for different kinds of things that the manager can ask for us.
“But overall, I think we are reacting well to what he has been asking – especially after the pre-season, where we had a lot of information coming to us.”
He added: “It will take a little bit of time to be close to perfection but we are showing everyone that we are willing to work for that to support the manager, to support these fans, that have been amazing with us and the results have to help us.”
United’s victory against Omonia was only secured in the 93rd minute, despite the Reds controlling the game and managing 34 shots in total, with Dalot saying that the team showed the right mentality to get over the line.
“We had to be patient,” he said. “We created – I don’t know how many chances we created – but I think we could be a little bit more clinical, but I think we deserved it at the end, the goal.”
Highlights: United v Omonia Nicosia
Short match highlights | Watch two minutes of action from our Europa League group-stage game at Old Trafford...
Diogo added: “When that happens I think it has to come out the patience to not be frustrated because you see the time going and going and you don’t score a goal, but I think we did well.
“We kept patience, especially around their box. Like I said, we could be a little bit more clinical but, at the end, I think we deserved the goal and the three points.”