Manchester United displayed impressive resilience in their recent clash against Everton, managing to secure a crucial point after mounting a spirited second-half comeback at Goodison Park. However, while the result demonstrated the team’s fighting spirit, it also laid bare some major tactical flaws—especially on the right flank.
From the very beginning of the match, Everton appeared far more determined, showing greater intensity in duels, winning second balls, and consistently putting Manchester United under pressure. The home side played with urgency and physical dominance, forcing United to retreat and struggle to establish control. In contrast, the visitors seemed disjointed and sluggish, lacking both a cohesive structure and the necessary drive to match Everton’s energy. United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, could only look on in frustration as his side failed to cope with the early onslaught.
One of the most concerning performances on the day came from Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese fullback was deployed in a wingback role, a position in which he has struggled on multiple occasions in the past. Unfortunately for Manchester United, this match was no different, as Dalot once again found himself out of his depth in this tactical setup. His deficiencies in this role were painfully evident, and his inability to provide the necessary impact both defensively and offensively hindered the team’s overall performance.
Dalot is naturally a more traditional fullback who thrives in a system that prioritizes defensive solidity and structured build-up play. When asked to operate as a wingback, however, he often finds himself caught in awkward positions—neither fully effective in attack nor solid enough in defense. His lack of positional awareness in advanced areas and his occasional struggles in one-on-one defensive situations make him ill-suited to the responsibilities that come with playing as a wingback.
For Amorim, the key takeaway from this performance should be clear: persisting with Dalot in a wingback role is not a viable long-term strategy. If Manchester United are to improve their tactical approach and ensure greater balance within the team, a different solution must be found for the right flank. Whether that means adjusting the system to better suit Dalot’s strengths or identifying a player more suited to the wingback role, changes are necessary.
The draw against Everton served as both a testament to United’s resilience and a stark reminder of the adjustments still needed. Moving forward, Amorim must recognize that forcing Dalot into an unsuitable position only weakens the team’s overall effectiveness. For Manchester United’s long-term success, it is imperative that tactical decisions align with the strengths of the players at the manager’s disposal.
