Dalot expresses frustration as Manchester United can only watch rivals chase titles during an over three-week break without matches.
On 27 March 2026, Portugal international right-back Diogo Dalot gave a recent interview regarding Manchester United's lack of fixtures until 13 April, following their 2-2 draw away to Bournemouth in the English Premier League on 20 March.
This means Manchester United will not play for more than three weeks, a consequence of missing out on European competition this season after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final and finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.
Additionally, Manchester United lost on penalties to League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round and were eliminated at home by Brighton in the FA Cup third round. As a result, the "Red Devils" have played only 40 matches in all competitions this season, the fewest since World War I (39 matches in the 1914-15 season).
Meanwhile, Manchester United can only watch Manchester City defeat Arsenal 2-0 to win their fifth Carabao Cup in the last 10 years under manager Pep Guardiola. Both teams still have FA Cup quarter-final matches ahead, as do Liverpool and Chelsea.
Diogo Dalot spoke about Manchester United watching other teams chase trophies during the remainder of the season: "It is painful to see our Premier League rivals playing in the UEFA Champions League and cup finals."
"Personally, I think this is the hardest season in that regard. Having to stay at home watching others play while we can only train is far from where the club should be."
"But this situation only makes us hungrier and more responsible to succeed when we return to competing in those tournaments. We will never overlook these moments."
Currently, Manchester United are aiming to return to the UEFA Champions League next season, sitting third in the Premier League table with 55 points, ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa (54 points), fifth-placed Liverpool (49 points), and sixth-placed Chelsea (48 points).