Manchester United succumbed to yet another 0-3 loss at the hands of Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, staying in the bottom half of the Premier League table at Christmas for the first time.
Ruben Amorim’s system has shown it works as seen from the impressive Manchester derby win but he lacks the correct personnel with the team massively lacking in consistency.
The head coach’s decision to sub off Manuel Ugarte in the second half allowed the Cherries to build momentum but the lack of quality out wide really hurt the hosts.
Amorim had explained earlier that Diogo Dalot is more suited to the right wingback role rather than playing on the opposite flank, where he has been forced to play due to injury reasons.
Dalot was poor vs Cherries
On Sunday, the coach opted to start Tyrell Malacia on the left against Andoni Iraola’s team to give Dalot the chance to shine in his favoured position.
The Portuguese full-back was average to say the least on the right, and was non-existent when he was shifted back to the left side.
He ended the game with a passing accuracy of 75 percent, poor from a wingback who hardly affected the game in an attacking sense.
He managed zero crosses, while failing to complete even one dribble. To make matters worse, the Portuguese lost possession 13 times (all stats via sofascore).
Last season, Dalot had three goals and five assists. This season he has zero, which shows how ineffective he has been moving forwards. He has two assists this term but his last assist came back in October.
Dalot needs a rest
He was poor defensively as well, failing to win a single ground duel while he was dribbled past once. He did complete two clearances and managed one interception.
The coach’s system needs players who can attack and defend with gusto, but the 25-year-old has failed in both aspects so far this campaign.
Many have pointed to the lack of rest for Dalot which has contributed to his poor showings off late but until United can recruit someone, he is likely to keep playing on the left with Luke Shaw out injured and Malacia struggling for form.
Amorim ideally needs wingers in that position instead of ineffective full-backs. INEOS need to help him in January but will they?
Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
