In a season where more unwanted records have tumbled for Manchester United, they are nearing an unwanted half-century.
13.02.2024 - 06:59 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Diogo Dalot has picked his moments for assists this season. The first teed up Alejandro Garnacho for the goal of the season and the second invited Scott McTominay to resume his matchwinner mode.
Dalot's centre for McTominay was billed as a "David Beckham cross" by Paul Merson in the Villa Park studio. Dalot has tallied a modest nine assists for United and Sunday's was his finest.
"I think I have the ability to do it," Dalot said in the mixed zone. "I still think I can get even more, so hopefully in the future."
The United website queried whether Dalot is in the form of his life. He isn't. That was in his first months under Erik ten Hag when he started all but one match (missed through suspension) and sustained that momentum at the World Cup. Dalot ousted Joao Cancelo from the Portugal team in Qatar.
Dalot's whipped cross against Aston Villa possibly closes the chapter on the five-year right-back battle at Manchester United. Dalot is nearing the performance level of the first third of last season whereas Aaron Wan-Bissaka has gone missing again.
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When Dalot was firmly cemented at right-back last term, Wan-Bissaka was absent for 10 successive Premier League matches. Now he has a problem with his leg.
He is unlikely to be given a leg up. Wan-Bissaka, who withdrew from United's training session on Thursday, is out of contract next year. Dalot signed a new contract last year. Wan-Bissaka is sidelined and Dalot is starting.
United have room for improvement at right-back and Wan-Bissaka is the obvious makeweight. United were prepared to sell him in Ten Hag's first summer.
Jose Mourinho bought Dalot for £19million in 2018 and a year
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