Diogo Dalot bluntly points out 'obvious' way Man Utd need to improve

wholeheartedly agrees with the sentiment that is a club that is adored, hated but never ignored. Now in his eighth year at Old Trafford, the 26-year-old defender has come to understand that no other team polarises opinion quite like the Red Devils. Dalot acknowledges that some of the criticism levelled at the team this season is justified, given that under Ruben Amorim's stewardship, United are on track for their worst Premier League finish.

However, following an exhilarating comeback victory over Lyon on Thursday night, in which he scored and which secured a spot in the Europa League semi-finals, Dalot insists that it's the determination to silence the critics that's driving their quest for success and a return to Champions League football. He said: "The criticism will never stop - even if we were competing for all cups and competitions. There would still be criticism because it's Manchester United - and people will always want you to fail.

"When you sign for this club you have to be ready to get that type of mentality from people and deal with it. But 100 per cent it can be an inspiration. When you are playing for such a big club like this, the exposure is so high that you have to be ready to take the criticism and use it as fuel to motivate yourself."

He believes this mindset was instrumental in the win over Lyon: "It has been a rollercoaster of emotions this season but in these moments we need to show up. Against Lyon we showed how much we wanted to win and to get through to the next phase - and I'm so happy we did. That's what we have to keep doing.

"We've had some moments this season, when we have won the game in the last minute - and this was just one more of them. We never stopped believing that we could win and turn it round. It was very special."

The Red Devils now gear up for a semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao, with the victor set to face either Tottenham or Bodo/Glimt in the final, also in Bilbao. However, before that, Amorim's focus is on securing three Premier League points at home against Wolves, fully aware that a defeat would see the Midlands club draw level with them on 38 points.

Dalot confessed that seeing United languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table is a bitter pill to swallow. He said: "We're Man United - and obviously we're fighting a lot to get out of this situation. It's obvious we need more control.

"When we concede goals, I think we need to keep a bit more emotional control. We don't just want to have a few special moments. We are trying to be more consistent in terms of performances and results.

"But when it's time to play in European competition, it's knock-out games. You just need to win and get through and we've been doing that this season.

"The pressure is normal. This club without European nights doesn't make any sense. So if we want to have a part of that next season we have to fight because it's going to be hard. We need to be there."