LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Diogo Dalot of Manchester United in action with Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United fans are still buzzing after that electrifying 2-1 victory over Liverpool, but it seems not everyone is convinced that all members of the squad deserve to keep their place.
Former United defender and outspoken pundit Paul Parker has sparked debate by urging manager Ruben Amorim to drop Diogo Dalot, branding him a “liability at both ends of the field.”
Since Amorim took charge, Manchester United’s performances have been a blend of brilliance and unpredictability. Without European commitments this season, fans expected consistency — yet the team remains a work in progress.
Dalot, who has worn the number two shirt this season, has been a loyal soldier under Amorim. His versatility, leadership, and tactical awareness have kept him in the lineup despite stiff competition. But according to Parker, it might be time to shake things up before the Brighton game.
“I look at Dalot and wonder if Amorim will go with him again after that game,” Parker said. “I’d start Noussair Mazraoui. He’s got better defensive awareness, more energy, and offers more attacking consistency — especially since United will be at home.”
The United legend didn’t mince words either: “Dalot never contributed anything at both ends of the field. He was a little bit of a liability.”
While the Liverpool win showcased United’s counter-attacking sharpness, Parker warns that Brighton poses a completely different threat. “Brighton don’t sit still. Their midfielders run off the ball, their forwards make intelligent runs, and their full-backs bomb forward. Amorim needs his most athletic players on the pitch to handle that.”
With United still trying to find rhythm under Amorim, these decisions could prove crucial. Fans will be watching closely to see if Dalot keeps his spot or if Amorim takes Parker’s advice to inject fresh legs down the flanks.
One thing’s for sure — this weekend’s clash at Old Trafford promises to be another tactical chess match.
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