Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes holds Diogo Dalot accountable for costing his team the game against FC Copenhagen
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes blamed Diogo Dalot for his crucial error that led to FC Copenhagen’s late comeback victory. United lost 4-3 to Copenhagen in the away Champions League Group A fixture and now faces a threat of elimination.
Rasmus Hojlund scored two early goals for the Red Devils to gain a healthy lead before half an hour of the game. The game made a dramatic turn when Marcus Rashford received a red card for a foul on Elias Jerelt.
Copenhagen capitalised on the one-man advantage by scoring two goals before the half-time. During the second half, United started positively and earned another lead from Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the 69th minute.
In the 83rd minute, Lukas Lerager capitalized on Diogo Dalot’s lapse in concentration, equalizing the score and turning the tide for the worse. The Portugal international missed Lerager’s run from behind after a curling cross from Rasmus Falk.
Scholes told TNT Sports (h/t BBC) that Dalot’s lapse in concentration cost the 10-men United their hard-fought lead against Copenhagen. He said:
“Diogo Dalot has no idea his man is there and it’s cost United tonight.”
United have lost nine out of 17 games in all competitions and are fourth in the Champions League Group A. United’s defensive vulnerability has been one of the biggest issues for manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag enjoyed his first season at the club by prioritizing the fortification of the Red Devils’ defence. United kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last season. However, United have conceded 30 goals from the first 17 games in all competitions this season.
Dalot has featured consistently for United while other senior players in the full-back department faced sideline due to injuries. Many critics have questioned the Portugal international’s ability to play at a top club like United.
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The Red Devils face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stage in the Champions League. United will face Galatasaray in a hostile away game and host Bayern Munich in their final two group fixtures.
