Manchester United boss urged to drop 'liability' defender despite role in stunning victory over Liverpool as Ruben Amorim urged to ring the changes for Brighton clash

United's form under manager Amorim has been inconsistent, despite having the breathing space of not competing in Europe this season. The squad saw several significant changes over the summer, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund all departing. But Dalot, who has switched to the number two shirt, has remained a vital part of Amorim's plans. Despite missing a couple of recent games due to injury, he has been a consistent starter when fit. Dalot's versatility and intelligence have made him an important figure in the defence, even being considered for a new position as a wide center-back to accommodate new attacking signings. His experience and positive attitude were also recognised when he was named to the team's leadership group at the start of the season.

Former United full-back Paul Parker said: "I'm a believer in continuity, but I just wonder if the team's a little bit static because I look at Dalot, does he go with Dalot again after his performance in that game? I would say no. I saw Noussair Mazraoui sitting on the bench. I'd get Mazraoui just for his energy levels as well and the fact that he's good defensively, he's better defensively and he's better when he gets in the attacking third, which would be on a more consistent basis because United are the home side so you'd expect your wing-back to be able to get forward. Diallo will get forward from that position, but if it was on the other side, if you looked at Dalot, he never contributed anything at both ends of the field. He was a little bit of a liability at both ends. So that's what the manager's got to make his mind up about what he's going to do."

Parker said: "For me, that’s how he’s going to get something from the game, get his most athletic players out there. Just to be able to have the legwork and the desire to want to run forward and back. Because of the fact that Brighton haven't got a static midfield like Liverpool and like Arsenal. The two games where they've played best this season have been against static midfield players that don’t run off the ball forward and run behind. So, that suits Manchester United. Brighton play differently. They move the ball, they’re more productive with the ball. They’ve got forwards who will run in and out. They've got full-backs who will run forwards, so this is a more difficult game than what it was against Liverpool."

Dalot is fit and available for the meeting with Brighton at OldTrafford, but there are concerns elsewhere for United’s Portuguese boss. He said: "The squad is fine. We have some doubts, we had some issues in the week with Harry Maguire and Mason Mount. Knocks, nothing serious and we will see tomorrow. Licha (Martinez) is out. He trained really well. He was on the next pitch and I was watching. He's training really well, the knee is looking well but I don't want to say a specific week (for his return) and then it depends on Licha, whether he wins the spot."