Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has delivered a scathing critique of Diogo Dalot following the club’s humiliating 2–1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup, a result that effectively extinguished United’s final realistic chance of lifting silverware this season.
The loss, which unfolded under the Old Trafford floodlights on Sunday evening, left the atmosphere inside the stadium tense and deflated, with both Scholes and Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly watching on in disbelief from the directors’ box.
Dalot’s performance quickly became the focal point of post-match discussion.
The Portuguese right-back endured a torrid night against Brighton’s energetic and well-drilled side, struggling to impose himself at either end of the pitch.
Early in the match, he squandered a promising opportunity that could have shifted the momentum in United’s favor.
As the game wore on, his defensive positioning came under heavy scrutiny, particularly in the build-up to Brighton’s two goals, scored by Brajan Gruda and former United striker Danny Welbeck.
Speaking during post-match analysis, Scholes made no attempt to soften his words.
The former midfielder, known for his blunt assessments, questioned how Dalot continues to feature regularly for the club.
In his view, the defender’s display fell far short of the standards expected at Manchester United.
Scholes described Dalot’s contribution as deeply disappointing, suggesting that he failed to rise to the occasion even against a Brighton side that, in Scholes’ opinion, was not especially well-organized.
He argued that United can no longer afford to carry players who fail to perform in decisive moments and called for the club to move on before further damage is done.
The defeat has intensified the sense of crisis engulfing Old Trafford. Interim manager Darren Fletcher, appointed after the recent dismissal of Ruben Amorim, now finds himself under immense pressure.
The FA Cup exit not only eliminated United from another competition but also marked a historically grim milestone: crashing out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since the 1980s.
Supporters inside the stadium made their frustration unmistakably clear, with boos ringing out at full-time.
United’s defensive structure was widely criticized. Dalot, alongside Patrick Dorgu, was accused of leaving the central defenders dangerously exposed, allowing Brighton to exploit space with alarming ease. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens also endured a shaky evening, adding to the overall sense of instability at the back.
The situation worsened late in the match when 18-year-old Shea Lacey, introduced as a substitute, was sent off after receiving two quick yellow cards, symbolizing the team’s lack of composure and discipline.
Away from the pitch, fan reaction has been fierce.
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with calls for change, with “Dalot Out” trending as supporters demanded immediate action in the transfer market.
Many believe that reinforcing the right-back position should be a top priority before the January window closes.
With the Premier League title already beyond reach and no cup competitions left to salvage the season, scrutiny on the INEOS leadership has intensified.
Supporters and pundits alike are calling for decisive moves both in appointing a permanent manager and reshaping a squad that appears short on quality, consistency, and accountability.
The Brighton defeat may well be remembered as a breaking point, forcing long-overdue decisions at the heart of Manchester United.
