Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot has sent a clear warning to Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, urging the duo to embrace “suffering” if they want to regain their places in Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup.
The fallout from United’s dramatic derby win over Manchester City still lingers, with Amad Diallo’s heroics stealing the spotlight.
The 22-year-old’s courage and relentless work ethic have epitomized the qualities Amorim demands, setting a new standard for United players battling for a spot.
Both Rashford and Garnacho were conspicuously absent from the squad last weekend, sparking questions about their roles under Amorim’s leadership.
Whether the pair will feature in Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham remains uncertain, but Dalot made it clear that effort and commitment are non-negotiable.
“The message was clear from the beginning,” Dalot said. “If you want to succeed and thrive, you have to suffer.
That’s life and football—if you’re not ready to give your all, there’s no space for you here.”
Amorim echoed this sentiment, stressing his rigorous evaluation process that goes beyond training performances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Manchester United manager said: “I analyse everything—the way you train, the way you interact, even how you dress and eat before games.
The players understand my decisions, and I have to choose based on what I see.”
Rashford and Garnacho’s absence served as a stark reminder that reputation alone won’t guarantee a starting role.
Amorim emphasized that every detail matters, adding, “It’s about pushing teammates, showing commitment, and being ready to win games. It’s simple selection.”
For Dalot, the squad’s newfound resilience and focus are signs of progress under Amorim. Reflecting on the derby, Dalot said, “This is step by step.
We kept our emotions in check, showed character, and fought until the end—that’s the DNA of this club.”
While Rashford and Garnacho face a fight to reclaim their roles, Amad Diallo’s rise proves that Amorim’s approach rewards hunger and discipline.
With a new manager at the helm, the message is clear: no player is untouchable, and success will only come through hard work and sacrifice.