Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has publicly addressed recent comments made by club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who claimed that five players in the current squad are either “not good enough or overpaid.” Speaking ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday, Dalot emphasized the team’s progress under manager Ruben Amorim and urged his teammates to take responsibility for their performances.
Ratcliffe’s remarks, made earlier this month during a series of interviews, have stirred controversy among fans and players alike. The British billionaire, who acquired a minority stake in the club in 2023, singled out several high-profile signings inherited from previous management as underperforming relative to their hefty salaries or transfer fees. While Ratcliffe praised captain Bruno Fernandes as a “fabulous footballer,” he was less complimentary about others, hinting at a need for significant squad overhaul.
In response, Dalot acknowledged the scrutiny but shifted the focus to the players’ accountability. “We know the expectations at this club are high,” the Portuguese full-back said in a press conference on Saturday. “Comments like that are part of football, but it’s up to us as players to show on the pitch that we belong here. We’re working hard every day, and under the manager, we’re starting to see progress.”
Since Ruben Amorim took the helm in late 2024, Manchester United have shown signs of improvement, with a more cohesive playing style emerging. Dalot, a regular starter under the new regime, highlighted the positive direction the team is heading. “The manager has brought a clear identity,” he said. “We’re building something, and it’s our job to prove that we can compete at the highest level.”
Amorim himself addressed Ratcliffe’s comments earlier this week, challenging his squad to use the criticism as motivation. “If someone says we’re not good enough, we have to show them otherwise,” the manager stated. “That starts with performances and results.”
The timing of Ratcliffe’s critique has raised eyebrows, as Manchester United sit mid-table in the Premier League amid a transitional season. Despite the club’s vast spending in recent years, Ratcliffe has emphasized the need for financial sustainability, suggesting that some players’ wages and transfer fees have not been justified by their contributions on the pitch.
Dalot refrained from directly naming the five players Ratcliffe alluded to, but speculation has swirled around several high-earners, including winger Antony, midfielder Casemiro, and forward Jadon Sancho. These players, signed for significant fees in recent years, have struggled to consistently deliver, fueling debates about their value to the team.
As Manchester United prepare to face Leicester City, Dalot remains optimistic. “Every game is a chance to show what we’re capable of,” he said. “We’re focused on the present and building for the future. The rest will take care of itself.”