Darren Fletcher confirms, naming the ONE Manchester United player who has been ruled out after committing two costly errors that led to Brighton’s goal yesterday

Manchester United have been dragged into another storm after reports emerged that senior club figure Darren Fletcher has effectively drawn a line through Diogo Dalot’s future, following the defender’s disastrous display in the loss to Brighton.

According to accounts from inside Old Trafford, Fletcher has reached breaking point with Dalot, making it clear that his confidence in the full-back has completely evaporated. The relationship between both sides is said to have collapsed in the wake of the two errors that directly contributed to Brighton’s goals, with Fletcher privately indicating that there is no longer any way back.

The revelation has caused a stir among supporters and intensified scrutiny on Dalot, whose place at the club is now under serious threat both in the short term and beyond.

What was meant to be a defining night for United quickly turned into a painful ordeal. Against Brighton, the team were expected to show resilience and structure, but instead unravelled, with Dalot at the centre of the chaos. His first mistake came from a moment of poor awareness that allowed Brighton to exploit space out wide, leading to the opening goal. The second proved even more costly, as another questionable defensive decision handed the visitors a clear chance, which they converted without hesitation.

By the final whistle, anger and frustration had spilled over, and Dalot had become the lightning rod for criticism from the stands and across social media.

While Manchester United’s hierarchy are usually cautious in how they handle internal matters, those close to the situation claim Fletcher did not disguise his feelings behind closed doors. He is understood to have stated bluntly that Dalot can no longer be trusted while he remains in his current role, describing the bond between them as irreparably damaged.

Such strong wording has taken many by surprise, particularly given Fletcher’s reputation for composure and empathy toward players. However, sources suggest this reaction was the result of long-standing concerns rather than a single poor performance. Issues around Dalot’s defensive judgement and consistency had been bubbling beneath the surface, with the Brighton game seen as the point of no return.

Those familiar with the internal discussions insist the matter goes beyond form. From Fletcher’s perspective, the core issue is reliability. In high-pressure Premier League matches, repeated mistakes are punished, and United can no longer carry uncertainty in key defensive areas. When errors occur in similar situations time and again, confidence in a player’s dependability inevitably fades.

Dalot’s withdrawal during the match was already viewed as a clear sign of displeasure, but few anticipated such severe consequences in the aftermath.

If Fletcher’s position remains unchanged, Dalot’s outlook at Manchester United appears bleak. Being effectively written off by a senior figure leaves the defender in a precarious spot, especially as the club continues to reshape its culture and standards. Even a return to form may not be enough if trust behind the scenes has completely broken down.

Speculation is now growing that Dalot could find himself excluded from matchday plans or discreetly made available for transfer should a suitable opportunity present itself.

Inside the dressing room, news of the situation has reportedly travelled fast, with opinions divided. Some players are said to feel sympathy for Dalot, arguing that defensive breakdowns are rarely the fault of one individual. Others accept that Manchester United demands unforgiving standards, and costly mistakes inevitably carry consequences.

One experienced member of the squad reportedly admitted that at a club of this size, moments like those against Brighton can alter everything in an instant.

Among supporters, the reaction has been equally mixed. Many believe Fletcher’s stance is overdue, pointing to a pattern of errors and insisting that patience has run out. Others have expressed concern, warning that singling out players publicly risks worsening the instability already affecting the team.

For now, the club have stayed silent, offering no official clarification on Fletcher’s reported comments or Dalot’s standing. Behind the scenes, discussions are ongoing as senior figures attempt to control the fallout and prevent further disruption.

Whether Dalot is offered a chance to redeem himself, gradually sidelined, or nudged toward an exit remains uncertain. What is beyond doubt is that his future at Old Trafford has rarely looked more fragile.

For Fletcher, this episode signals a firm stance on accountability. For Dalot, it may represent the beginning of the end of his time at Manchester United. And for the club as a whole, it is another stark illustration of how quickly pressure, mistakes and fractured trust can unravel progress at one of football’s most demanding institutions.