Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 5y

Diogo Dalot: Manchester United hosting Fulham a 'big game' after winless run

Diogo Dalot has warned Manchester United that Fulham's visit to Old Trafford does not represent an easy chance to get back on track but insists Jose Mourinho is the man to guide his struggling team back into the top four.

Dalot impressed on his first Premier League start in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal and is hopeful of keeping his place against Fulham on Saturday.

Claudio Ranieri's side are rock bottom of the Premier League table despite picking up a point against Leicester on Wednesday but the Portuguese full-back has already learned there are no easy games for United, who have not won any of their last four league matches. 

"We are improving and we are fighting to get results and I think we are getting and better," said Dalot, who signed from Porto in the summer.

"Fulham is a big game now. One of the things have noticed in England is that there are no weak games in the Premier League. There is no game in which you can relax. We need the points to climb the table.

"I feel ready now for a run in the side and as long as the coach needs me I will be ready for him."

Despite an improved performance against Arsenal, Mourinho is coming under increasing pressure as the gap widens between the top four and a place in next season's Champions League.

United twice came from behind against Arsenal -- fast becoming a feature of the season -- to prove they are not ready to throw in the towel and Dalot insists the whole squad is behind the manager. 

"Jose Mourinho brings all his experience and knowledge of the game to us all, not just me," said the 19-year-old. 

"He is one of the best coaches ever and for me it is a dream come true to be alongside him and to learn from him. For me it is very good.

"As a team we need to develop every single game. The spirit and fight is there and we will get there."

United will kick-off against Fulham eighth in the table, 18 points behind leaders Manchester City and eight adrift of the top four.

A draw against Arsenal took their tally to 23 points from 15 games. Only Arsenal in 2012-13 and again in 2014-15 have recovered from worse starts to end the season in the Champions League places.

"We sleep thinking about getting into the top four and we wake thinking about getting into the top four," Dalot added.

"For sure we will get there. It is our main goal for now to get into the top for and I think are will get there."

^ Back to Top ^