Man Utd star was becoming like Onana, now he’s undroppable

Weighing up how successful Ruben Amorim’s first year or so at Manchester United is easier said than done. Whilst there have been some real standout moments, including away wins against Manchester City and Liverpool, his record overall is far from impressive.

He’s taken charge of 59 games as United manager now, winning just 24 of those and losing 22. In the Premier League, he’s only managed 14 wins in 43 matches, tasting defeat 18 times. That record is far from what you might expect. Factor in the inflexibility with his infamous 3-4-2-1 system, and there are plenty of areas for concern.

However, there have been a few individual players who have shone under the Portuguese boss.

The biggest winners of Amorim’s reign

Mason Mount has been desperately unlucky with injuries during his time at Old Trafford so far. Yet, he has been one of the real winners under Amorim’s reign. His fitness issues have become far better, and he’s become an established player as one of the two number 10s.

Mount has played 34 times under the Red Devils boss. Overall, he’s had excellent availability this term, taking his goals and assist tally up to seven under Amorim, including this stunning strike against Wolves. They also have a 71.4% win rate this term when he starts, showing his importance.

Another player who has shone under Amorim throughout his time at the club is Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch defender has become a key figure at central centre-back in Amorim’s system, and this term, he has played 90 minutes in every Premier League game aside from the last three, which he has missed through injury.

Someone who has been full of praise for De Ligt this season is former United captain Nemanja Vidic. The ex-Red Devils centre-back said the Dutchman is “the best player at the back” for Amorim’s side.

De Ligt and Mount have been excellent under Amorim, and in recent weeks, another player has really begun to elevate his game.

The latest star shining under Amorim

Amorim’s infamous system has required adaptation from several players, and there is a case to be made that the majority of the squad are not playing in their best roles. One man who has adapted well in recent weeks has been Diogo Dalot.

The Portuguese international is, of course, a full-back by trade. However, he’s played as a wing-back more often than not in 50 games under his compatriot, operating high and wide, usually on the left flank.

It has not always been straightforward for Dalot this season. He was recently dropped from the starting lineup away to Tottenham Hotspur, something which was said to “hurt” him. There was criticism aimed at him for the performance level at wing-back, and he was described as the club’s ‘biggest liability’ since Andre Onana, who notoriously struggled during his stint at Old Trafford.

However, the United number two knuckled down with some individual training, working on “improving his positioning in attacking areas down the left wing and getting him into the penalty area more often.”

Dalot reaped the rewards from that work on the training pitch. He started December superbly, bagging a wonderful goal against West Ham United in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Four days later, he assisted Bryan Mbeumo against Wolves.

His stats from those two games were impressive, too. Against the Hammers, the defender had 73 touches, won three duels, and made three recoveries. In their clash with the Old Gold, he had 55 touches, created four chances, and made four recoveries.

It has been a huge upturn in form for Dalot, who has really improved at wing-back in the last few games. He is starting to create more chances and take his chances in the penalty box. From an attacking point of view, the defender is becoming far more efficient.

He was struggling for form this season, to the point where Amorim had no choice but to drop him. Yet, Dalot has turned things around of late, and is now becoming one of United’s most important players.