Diogo Dalot says Manchester United need ‘to work hard and suffer’

Diogo Dalot says there is “no space” at Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United for those unwilling to dig deep and “suffer” in the team’s pursuit of progress.

A poor start to Erik ten Hag’s third season in charge led to a change in the Old Trafford dugout, with the highly-rated 39-year-old coach coaxed from Sporting Lisbon last month.

There has been promise along with some all too familiar frustrations during Amorim’s start to life in a role that reached its greatest peak yet as his first Manchester derby ended unforgettably.

Bruno Fernandes cancelled out Josko Gvardiol’s header in the 88th minute from a penalty won by Amad Diallo, who struck two minutes later to seal a stunning 2-1 win at City.

Dalot says “fighting until the end is the DNA of this club” and feels Amorim has harnessed that while instilling resilience during his short time in charge.

“I think it’s clear it’s coming from him,” the full-back said after United followed up Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League comeback win with another victory in that manner at the Etihad Stadium.

“The message was clear from the beginning: if you want to succeed and if you want to thrive, you have to suffer. That’s not just in football but in life.

“If you want to have success, you have to work hard and suffer. I think the message is really clear.

“If you want to succeed at this club, you have to suffer and if you’re ready to do that with us, we’re going to be a good team. If you’re not, there’s no space for you.”

“For me, it’s really special,” he said. “I’ve played here a couple of times since I arrived.

“It was probably the first time that emotionally we were in control. Even the game, we felt we could win the game at any moment.

“It was the first time, for me personally, that I felt capable of doing that, so that shows some progress.

“I don’t want to give the cliche conversation all the time that ‘we need time’. Believe me, I’m here for almost seven years, I’m with the fans on that. We need to win tomorrow and yesterday.

Matchwinner Diallo again epitomised the work rate and selflessness required on top of the skill level needed to flourish at United.

“It’s what we want from him,” Dalot said. “When you’re in such good form, that’s the most important thing – you keep performing.

“It’s the hardest thing at a club like this being consistent in your performances, so we’re going to help him and we want him to stay at this level.

“We know he can be a really good player for us but it’s up to him to be in the right place, keep really humble and I think he has that ability.”