Reflecting On Pre-season, Manchester United Is Already More Gigih And Higher Intensity

JAKARTA - Manchester Unite's Diogo Dalot said coach Ruben Amorim was building a squad struggling to bounce back from their worst season for more than 50 years.

Finishing in 15th place in the Premier League season 2024/2025 is the lowest since relegation to the second division in 1974.

However, pre-season victories over West Ham and Bournemouth on tours to the United States have raised optimism that the atmosphere is starting to turn things around.

Dalot believes he has changed the biggest mentality in the dressing room.

"I think we're creating a team that's fighting each other. I think that's what we're trying to create."

"Obviously, the road is still long. I think you can immediately see some signs that this team is more persistent, has higher intensity, and that's what we're trying to do," Dalot said.

Amoram made an important statement before his trip to the United States by leaving Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, andaturah Malacia.

Marcus Rashford, who was immediately marginalized for the 2024/2025 season after the arrival of the Amorium in November 2025, has also been allowed to move to Barcelona on loan.

Luke Shaw has supported the manager's statement. Meanwhile Dalot said it was part of an effort to raise standards at Old Trafford.

"He (Amorim) is very firm in his message that you want to be part of the team or you can't be here."

"If you want to be at Manchester United, you have to meet some standards. If you're not able to fulfill it, that's not a place for you."

"The message is very clear. The message is, if you start pre-season, it's because he believes that we are the team needed," said Dalot.

Meanwhile, it was seen that Bruno Fernandes might not be part of the Amorym squad when he considered a big offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, in June 2025.

However, the Manchester United captain turned down the opportunity to move. Dalot is happy that his Portugal team-mate chose to be part of the new team.

"I think it's a clear message that he still believes this club can reach where it should be."

"I don't think there's any better way to start the season than your captain staying and confident that this can go in the right direction."

"This is a clear message to other teammates, for everyone, that we have to believe. We have to work very hard to get Manchester United back to where it should be," he said.