Diogo Dalot has revealed that he has played through pain to support Manchester United during a season plagued by injuries. The Red Devils have endured a tough season with over 60 injuries, causing players to miss more than 350 matches. This injury crisis contributed to United finishing eighth in the Premier League, their lowest-ever finish, and losing a record 14 matches. Dalot explained how the team's injuries forced him to play despite pain.

Battling Through the Season

Dalot spoke openly about his challenges this season, highlighting the need to play despite injuries. “Yeah, a few, obviously, but that’s part of being a football player. Are you ready to cope with it? Are you ready to make an extra mile for the team? Especially this season. And there are games that you have to forget a little bit of the pain. The problems that you are having. Because the team needs you because there are no players. That obviously happened sometime this season, but for me, it’s just… In my head, it’s normal,” he said.

Dalot played the most Premier League minutes of any United outfield player this season, with Bruno Fernandes just behind him. Fernandes, the United captain, has been praised by manager Erik ten Hag for his consistent availability. The match against Crystal Palace in May was the first he missed due to injury in his entire career. Dalot praised Fernandes, saying, “He’s been one of the cases that obviously… he is showing that he’s doing everything he can to play for the club and to help the club. He’s been available every game, and it shows that if you are available, you are closest to play games. This is the kind of way that I think every club, every squad should go because if you have 70-80 percent of the players available every season, I think it’s going to be a lot easier than if you have 10-15%.”

Manchester United’s Injury Crisis and Defensive Struggles

The injury problems led United to field 32 different back fours throughout the season. Ten Hag also had to use eight different players at center back, at one point even deploying Casemiro in that position with poor results. The team has been without a natural left back since Luke Shaw's injury in mid-February, further complicating their defensive setup.

As the season ends, United hopes to finish on a high note by defeating Premier League champions and rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final. However, Pep Guardiola's side is seen as the overwhelming favorite. Dalot remains optimistic, saying, “For me personally, it gives me more energy. You shouldn't be the underdog when you're at Manchester United. But at the same time, we're facing a team that has been dominating English football – whether we like it or not – and we want to be there. We want to be the team in the future that everyone thinks is going to win automatically.”

Despite a season filled with injuries and challenges, Diogo Dalot and his teammates at Manchester United remain determined to fight on. The FA Cup final against Manchester City presents a chance to end the season on a positive note and showcase their resilience. The hope is that with fewer injuries and more consistent performances, Manchester United can return to their winning ways in the near future.