Premier League release statement after Diogo Dalot controversy during Man United vs Man City
The Premier League have confirmed the reason why Diogo Dalot did not see red in the early stages of Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick was appointed as Man United’s new manager until the end of the season earlier this week, beating Darren Fletcher and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to the post.
The Red Devils legend was handed a huge task for his opening game on his return to Old Trafford, with second-placed rivals Man City their visitors on Saturday afternoon.
Carrick named Dalot in his starting eleven at right-back, but the Portuguese international could have been sent off inside the first 11 minutes of the game.
He lunged in on City winger Jeremy Doku and was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, with VAR subsequently deciding that it was not enough for him to receive his marching orders.
Dalot was let off because of ‘glancing’ contact with Doku
City winger Doku took a heavy touch out wide on the left flank, before he flicked the ball past Dalot but was caught by his outstretched leg.
Replays showed that the United defender had his studs up when he caught the Belgian international on the shin, yet VAR decided against upgrading his card to red.
The Premier League Match Centre have taken to X to explain why nothing was done by those at Stockley Park, saying: “The referee’s call of yellow card to Dalot for a reckless challenge was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the contact deemed to be glancing and not with excessive force.“
United could revise their Dalot transfer stance after Ruben Amorim’s exit
Former United boss Amorim was known to be a keen admirer of Dalot’s talents, hence why he had made 16 league starts in 2025-26 prior to his exit.
Football Insider revealed last month that United had no plans to let Dalot leave in January, as a result, despite growing interest in his services from several top European clubs.
Such a stance could soon change after Carrick’s first game in charge, with Doku giving the 26-year-old a seriously hard time throughout the derby clash despite United’s 2-0 win.
United fans have slammed Dalot for his performances before now, and many would surely be content to see him moved on if a replacement is signed.