Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes questions the character of Diogo Dalot in handling big-game pressure
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes doubts Diogo Dalot has the strong mindset to handle the pressure of a big game. Scholes further suggested that the balance of the team is wrong as the right-back is not good enough.
Dalot has featured at both flanks for the Red Devils this season due to injuries at the left-back position. Many football experts criticized the 24-year-old for FC Copenhagen’s third goal in the Champions League Group A away game.
Copenhagen defeated United 4-3, leaving the team currently at the bottom of the Champions League Group A table. The 10-men Red Devils were leading 3-2 in the second half when Copenhagen scored the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
The Dutch side caught Dalot napping with a cross that Lukas Lerager finished to take the scoreline to 3-3. Dalot’s critical error means United can face an early elimination from the Champions League before even reaching the knockout stage.
Speaking to the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel, Scholes questioned Dalot’s mentality to perform in big games. He said:
“I’m not sure if the right-back’s good enough, [Diogo] Dalot, when it comes to the big games. I’m not sure his character is big enough to handle the big games. [Aaron] Wan-Bissaka can do it defensively not a problem. Going forward. he has improved, don’t get me wrong. I just think the balance of the team has been a little bit wrong.”
United are struggling with balance and cohesion as they have lost nine out of their 18 matches in all competitions. The Red Devils have conceded 30 goals, demonstrating immense vulnerability in their defence department.
However, United manager Erik ten Hag faced restrictions in picking players due to the injury crisis. Ten Hag has applied a rigid 4-2-4 formation in the last two games for United before the November international break. The formation gives opportunity to the fullbacks to prioritize defensive duties more than overlapping the wide attackers.
The United boss picked Dalot as his first-choice right-back when he took over the club last season. Nevertheless, Aaron Wan-Bissaka worked his way back into the first team and regained his spot as the first-choice right-back. The limited offensive capabilities of both right-backs hinder the expected attacking style at United.
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The Red Devils had a rich history of having offensive-minded fullbacks who used to bomb forward from the byline. Former players like Antonio Valencia and Gary Neville shored up the wide area while assisting the frontline with threatening crosses.
Dalot should constructively take Scholes’ criticism and avoid a lapse of concentration as he did against Copenhagen. The Portugal international played most of the games this season which coincides with United conceding too many goals.
