Dalot says Roma comeback showed United supporters the players care

Diogo Dalot says Manchester United's comeback against Roma demonstrated the players' determination to respond to their poor results and the frustration of supporters. In comments reported by the Guardian on Wednesday, the defender said the second-half response showed the squad wanted to change its situation, with pressure affecting the whole club rather than only head coach Michael Carrick.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMBd9A0m9Fk

Dalot said United had become discouraged too easily when incidents went against them. He described a more aggressive start after the interval, with the team winning duels and drawing the crowd into the contest. The support then helped drive the players forward, he said, presenting that connection with the stands as something United needed to retain.

The defender also confirmed that his advanced position had been part of the tactical plan. He acknowledged that losing possession centrally left United exposed, and said the team adjusted after conceding the second goal.

BBC Sport's account of Tuesday's match detailed the turning point: Bruno Fernandes initially failed to convert a penalty, but video assistant referee Carlos del Cerro Grande advised a retake after Bryan Cristante encroached into the area. Fernandes scored at the second attempt. Matheus Cunha then struck twice in the final seven minutes to secure a 3-2 victory, before being sent off in a tense finish.

Carrick said he had urged the players at half-time to remain positive rather than give in to disappointment. According to the BBC, he wanted them to keep searching for a way back into the game and believed a single moment could alter the atmosphere. After the result, he emphasised his pleasure for the players and their effort rather than describing his own reaction as relief.

The win ended United's run of nine matches without victory. In separate post-match reporting, BBC Sport said the result was their second success in four Champions League fixtures and moved them to 17th in the league-phase standings. Fernandes said the players and club had needed the result, while Kobbie Mainoo described relief at ending the sequence and expressed hope that United could build on it.