Diogo Dalot says Manchester United shut out the “noise” surrounding their injury crisis and proved they have the squad to cope with it.
Sunday afternoon's 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest moved United back up to third spot, six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand. Erik ten Hag is currently without several key players, including top scorer Marcus Rashford and first-choice central defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
Martinez is out for the season, while Ten Hag is also missing Luke Shaw, Marcel Sabitzer, Scott McTominay, Tyrell Malacia, Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho.
Despite those enforced absences, United are determined to show they have a squad capable of coping, with Dalot hailing the character of those who have stepped into the team. Dalot switched to left-back and capped a fine display with his first Premier League goal, while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof resumed their partnership in central defence.
“We showed character, we showed personality,” said Dalot. “There was a lot of noise outside the dressing-room, but we kept calm. We knew that we're not just 11 players in this squad and we showed that.
“When you play for Manchester United, you're going to be in the spotlight every time. We knew that with the injuries that we had - important players who got injured - there could be some doubt.
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“But, like I said, it was a big challenge for us to show that we have more than just 11 players in this team. We have a proper squad and I think we showed that. We showed personality, we showed composure on the ball, we showed character and we played a very good game.”
With so many key players injured, Dalot said the bond between those who remain fit will be the key to a successful end to the season, with United chasing the FA Cup and Europa League, as well as a top-four finish.
“Every time we have the opportunity to play for a club like this you have to show it,” said Dalot. You have an opportunity I'm sure a lot of players would like to have.
“Every time you wear this shirt and you go onto the pitch, you have to show personality, you have to show that you deserve to play for this club. It’s going to be a fight until the end, we know how it is, the last two months in the Premier League.
“Every game is a fight, every game is do or die for everyone, so for us it has to be that mentality - every game is a final and we want to win it.”
Dalot hailed United's £85million match-winner Antony, who scored the opener at Forest and set him up for the second goal.
“Everybody is seeing he’s getting his rewards now,” said Dalot. “He works very hard every day to be at this top level. He fights for the team, he's a team player for sure, I think everybody can see that.”
