The United storylines become ever more unbelievable

Diogo Dalot’s muddled displays are just another symptom of Old Trafford chaos

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick embraces player Bruno Fernandes (right) after the Premier League match at Old Trafford. Picture: Martin Rickett/Press Association. 

Sporting success is, supposedly, a nigh-on irrelevance to Manchester United’s global brand. The money will stream in regardless thanks to the behemoth company it has become, leaving behind its football club roots and becoming the world’s greatest soap opera creating the sort of drama of which Phil Mitchell can only dream.

There is a strong cast of characters from the hated billionaire owners to the under‑pressure manager and pantomime villain Diogo Dalot, and a collection of storylines that are becoming hard to believe. Amid the supervillains, there are the unmistakable petty culprits who have brought United down to 18th place in the Premier League and Michael Carrick wondering how much longer he can survive.