Manchester United managed to pull another rabbit out of the hat as despite having to play over an hour with 10 men, they clinched their FA Cup third-round tie against Arsenal 5-3 via penalties away at the Emirates.
The game ended 1-1 at the end of extra-time with both teams scoring in the second half. After some brilliant work from Alejandro Garnacho, the ball fell to Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the box and he rifled past David Raya to hand the visitors the lead.
However, the joy was short-lived as Diogo Dalot saw his second yellow for a needless challenge and the Gunners equalised soon after.
At that point, it seemed like the Portuguese’s dismissal would cost the Red Devils the game as Kai Havertz won a dubious penalty but Altay Bayindir saved United’s blushes, pulling off one save after the other as the Red Devils took the game to penalties and eventually emerged triumphant.
Dalot almost cost United the game
The Portugal international struggled to affect the game on the left wing, both going forwards and while defending, forcing Ruben Amorim to shift him to his natural side.
But that move also did not pan out and the ex-Porto star will now miss the Premier League game against Southampton at the weekend.
Despite the impressive showing against Liverpool last week, Dalot has failed to shine as an attacking force this season, with the wingbacks expected to provide the width and attacking impetus in Amorim’s system.
The head coach has blamed this on the team’s imbalance which has forced him to keep playing his compatriot on the left due to Luke Shaw’s injury-enforced absence while Tyrell Malacia looks on his way out of the club.
Amorim would ideally like to play Dalot on the right and bring in reinforcements on the left but INEOS are grappling with PSR concerns and have so far failed to complete a single signing.
They are looking to raise capital through player sales and Dalot is one player who is attracting plenty of interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
In fact, the Spanish side were willing to pay £45 million for United’s No 20 but as per Givemesport, Amorim has no plans of letting his compatriot leave, despite his poor display on Sunday.
Real want Dalot but Amorim does not want to sell
“Diogo Dalot might have been viewed as a source of funds in the January window – until his display at Liverpool. The 25-year-old versatile defender, bought for a bargain £19 million from FC Porto in 2018, has proved himself one of United’s best buys in recent years.
“With United facing Profit and Sustainability concerns, Dalot is being tracked by teams in Spain and Italy, including Real Madrid.
“But the speedy wing-back, valued at £45 million, is a firm favourite with boss Ruben Amorim who has told United bosses he doesn’t want the star to be sold. Amorim sees Dalot as key to the tactical 3-4-3 system and one of the few players naturally suited to that style.”
Now whether this stance means no left wingback will be bought remains to be seen. Against Southampton next weekend, Amorim could be forced to play Malacia again and that does not bode well.
Feature image Julian Finney 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
