Manchester United players having to 'suffer' amid club's restructure

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Diogo Dalot admits Manchester United are having to "suffer" amid the club's flagging form and ongoing restructure.

United have lost three of their opening six Premier League games and were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool and Tottenham in successive league losses at Old Trafford.

Three wins in nine games have refuelled uncertainty over manager Erik ten Hag's position months after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sought potential replacements for the Dutchman. United are sticking with Ten Hag for now.

United have won six of their past 19 league matches and have lost 17 of their past 44. Dalot, who joined United in 2018, welcomes the restructuring process but cautioned there would be peaks and troughs.

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“Consistency, in terms of results but also performance-wise, that's what keeps clubs doing well for a long time," Dalot said. "The more consistent we are in terms of results, attitude and everything related to playing football and being successful, the closer we will be to winning.

"I feel that there is a restructuring at the club, which is good, but during this process we have to suffer. It's a daily job, we have to train well and recover well. There are ups and downs that football brings us, but the more balanced we are as a club and as athletes, the more successful we will be. That’s what the club is looking for at the moment.

"It is normal to go through a period of reflection and analyse what was done, good and bad. There is always a 24-hour period to switch off and start thinking about the next match. There are different matches and different opponents and we have to change the chip to be better physically and mentally.”

Dalot will start against former club Porto in United's second Europa League tie on Thursday night. The 25-year-old right back has lined up at left back this season amid the continued absence of injured left backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

United players voted Dalot as their player of the year for last season and figures at the club have identified him as a possible future captain. The Portugal international last year signed a new contract until 2028.

"It's something that is within me, this ability to be among an important group of players in a squad," he told A Bola when asked about the captaincy. "It's something that will come naturally, but I want to help my teammates whenever I can.

"I'm one of the oldest players in the squad and it's part of having to convey the experience I have at the club. If it happens, I will be delighted.

"It (the players' player of the year award) was very special. All awards are important, but this one is special because it came from those who share every moment with me. They are my second family. I share the battlefield with them and that gives me confidence.

"It's a daily job, which I don't just do for myself, but also for them, for the team. It is a recognition that keeps me grounded and gives me the confidence to continue, but it also increases the demands, and this consistency is what I want to bring throughout the rest of my career."

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