Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot struggled against Newcastle and was taken off at half-time.

Diogo Dalot was partially at fault for Newcastle’s opening goal when he was not alert or quick enough to cut out Tino Livramento’s pass to Miguel Almiron.

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Dalot was poor throughout the half, continuing on from an underwhelming display against City. It was not a surprise to see him substituted after 45 minutes.

There is some important context to apply to Diogo Dalot’s display. It looks like he hit a wall.

Diogo Dalot burnout

For the last few weeks, Diogo Dalot has been Manchester United’s only fit full-back. He has had to fill in at left-back and at right-back, with no rest. He has also played international games too.

At some point his form was going to suffer, and the burnout is very real. He has now played more than 1,100 minutes already this season.

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He completed only 70 per cent of his passes against Newcastle, won two out of four tackles, and was glaring culpable, partially so, for the Toon’s opening goal.

This season Dalot had been Manchester United’s most reliable player. He has stayed fit when everybody around him has fallen off with some ailment or another.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka returns

The timing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s return could not have been better. The right-back came off the bench at half-time, relieving Dalot from his duties.

Manchester United needed Wan-Bissaka back, and Dalot needed him back too. There is a chance Wan-Bissaka starts this weekend against Fulham.

Dalot can of course play at left-back too, that’s an option, but it is going to be necessary for him to have a rest, physically and mentally.

Dalot generally is better when he is playing regularly, and can get a stretch of games, but right now he looks burnt out.

Wan-Bissaka played well when he came on. Not perfect, but there was some promise. He created two goalscoring chances.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka gave Manchester United a glimmer of hope on an otherwise terrible evening.

His first start since early September was indicative that United’s injury problems might be beginning to ease. It’s nice to have him returned.