Manchester UnitedBREAKING NEWS:‼️ “I regret starting him today… he did absolutely nothing.” — Rúben Amorim fumes as he names the ONE Manchester United player he regrets playing vs Crystal Palace — Not Leny Yoro.

Manchester United’s dramatic and emotionally charged clash against Crystal Palace delivered tension, mistakes, heroic moments, and a finale that left fans gasping. But even with the victory secured, the biggest headline of the night came from inside the press room, where manager Rúben Amorim expressed raw, unfiltered frustration.

In a statement that immediately shook the Manchester United fanbase, Amorim revealed that he regrets starting Diogo Dalot, insisting the full-back “did absolutely nothing” and “nearly cost United the game” before Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee stepped up with crucial late contributions.

It was a rare moment of public criticism from Amorim, who has largely been calm, calculated, and protective of his players since taking over as United manager. But this time, the Portuguese coach did not hold back.

“I regret starting him today… he did absolutely nothing.” — Amorim loses patience

Amorim’s tone was firm, his disappointment unmistakable. When asked about Dalot’s performance, he responded with honesty that surprised even the reporters who have covered him closely.

“I regret starting him today,” Amorim said. “He did absolutely nothing. If not for Mount coming to our rescue, it could have been hell for us. We put ourselves in danger far too many times, and it came from positions we should have controlled.”

His words painted a clear picture: Dalot’s performance was below standard, and his mistakes disrupted United’s rhythm throughout the match.

Amorim did not mention Leny Yoro, who many assumed might have been the target of criticism. Instead, he doubled down on his frustration with one player — Dalot — and his decision-making on the right side of defence.

Dalot’s decision-making under fire

According to tactical analysts reviewing the match, Dalot struggled significantly with:

1. Defensive positioning

He repeatedly left open spaces behind him, forcing Yoro and Onana to cover dangerous attacking runs from Palace’s wingers.

2. Poor ball retention

Dalot lost possession several times in the build-up phase, leading to transitional moments that put United under intense pressure.

3. Lack of attacking contribution

Unlike his usual forward surges and overlapping support, Dalot offered minimal attacking value, leaving United’s right flank unbalanced.

4. Slow reactions under pressure

Palace targeted his side of the pitch, sensing vulnerabilities, and Dalot’s discomfort in tight areas was exploited.

These issues built up across the match, and Amorim’s frustration came from the fact that United were nearly punished for these moments.

Mount and Zirkzee: United’s unexpected saviours

Despite United’s struggles in key areas, Mason Mount’s razor-sharp awareness and Zirkzee’s link-up brilliance kept the game under control and ultimately ensured that United did not collapse.

Mount stepped into midfield dominance late in the second half, stabilizing the tempo and delivering the kind of intelligent passing United desperately needed. His energy, urgency, and decision-making under pressure were essential to preventing Palace from taking control.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, helped United regain their attacking shape with his hold-up play and combinations around the box. His ability to receive with his back to goal and bring others into play relieved enormous pressure off United’s struggling defence.

Without these two players, Amorim suggested United’s night could have turned into a disaster.

“Mount saved us,” he added. “Zirkzee helped us survive the pressure. We needed more from others, but those two stepped forward.”

Reactions inside the dressing room

Sources around the club describe the dressing room atmosphere as tense immediately after the match. Amorim was visibly upset, not just about Dalot’s individual performance, but about the overall lack of concentration from the back line.

Dalot was said to be frustrated with his own display, acknowledging privately that he had “an off night.” Teammates encouraged him to move forward and refocus, but Amorim’s comments have now forced the conversation into the public domain.

Club insiders say the manager intends to hold meetings with his defensive unit before United’s next match, stressing tactical discipline and the need for consistency.

United fans react: frustration mixed with relief

Online, Manchester United fans expressed a mixture of agreement and concern after Amorim’s comments were released.

Many supporters admitted they had been furious with Dalot’s mistakes during the match, calling the performance “reckless” and “careless.” Some pointed out that this has not been Dalot’s usual form and suggested he may simply be experiencing a temporary dip in confidence.

Others praised Amorim for his honesty, insisting that accountability is necessary if United are to rebuild a strong defensive foundation.

However, a small section of fans worried that public criticism could affect Dalot mentally, arguing that the manager should have kept such comments behind closed doors.

Regardless of opinion, the fanbase agreed on one thing: Mount and Zirkzee saved the night.

Can Dalot bounce back?

Dalot has enjoyed strong performances this season, and Amorim still values him highly. But this match exposed weaknesses that cannot be ignored. Whether Dalot responds positively — with hunger, determination, and responsibility — will determine whether he retains his place in the lineup.

Amorim is known to reward players who respond well to pressure. The next few training sessions may be crucial for Dalot’s future role under the new Manchester United leadership.

Conclusion

Amorim’s comments have lit up the football world. Managers rarely criticize players so directly, and when they do, it signals both enormous frustration and a high demand for improvement.

Dalot struggled.

United suffered.

Mount and Zirkzee saved the day.

And Amorim made sure everyone understood exactly how close United came to disaster.

Crystal Palace may not have taken all three points, but they exposed weaknesses that Amorim now intends to address — beginning with the player he regretted starting.