Carlton Cole tears into Dalot: 'All he thinks about is his next paycheque'
Former England striker Carlton Cole has launched a blistering attack on Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot, claiming the Portuguese defender has stayed at Old Trafford far longer than his performances warrant. Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast today, Cole didn't hold back: "He's nowhere near good enough. You can't rely on him. All he's thinking about is his next paycheque—that's what's on his mind."
Dalot, 27, has made over 250 appearances since joining from Porto in 2018 for £19 million. Jose Mourinho once called him the "best young full-back in Europe," but recent displays have drawn fierce criticism. He was labelled "atrocious" after United's Champions League win over Roma and booed by sections of the Old Trafford crowd when substituted during Sunday's 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.
Cole also questioned interim manager Michael Carrick's team selections: "He's picking certain players for that team, and I'm thinking, 'How are you even still there?'" The criticism adds to growing scrutiny on Dalot as United struggle for consistency.
For Nigerian fans tracking the Premier League: this is pundit opinion, not club policy. Dalot remains a regular starter. But Cole's remarks reflect a frustration many United supporters share—whether it's justified or just loud talk from a former Chelsea man is the real debate.
Is Dalot actually underperforming, or has he become an easy scapegoat for United's deeper structural problems?