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Manchester United’s thrilling last-minute FA Cup victory against arch-rivals Liverpool have been followed up by two instances in which the team have let their lead slip in added time.
First Brentford equalised with almost the last kick of the game before Thursday’s dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea where the Blues came back from a goal down to win the contest through goals in the ninth and tenth minute of added time.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s unsustainable style is the main reason why the Red Devils have struggled so much this season but the Dutchman refuses to accept that it is not working.
The Stamford Bridge contest saw Diogo Dalot make two crucial errors, first he conceded a penalty before losing his head for the eventual winner.
Dalot error
The Portuguese has arguably been one of the top performers this campaign and with the Merseysiders once again coming to Old Trafford, it is imperative that the 20-time English league champions up their game.
The manager has hinted that he has asked his players to vent out their anger for the Chelsea defeat on Jurgen Klopp’s men on Sunday.
As for the full-back, Ten Hag firmly believes he has the mental fortitude to come back from this setback and prove his detractors wrong.
“Absolutely. Diogo is a very resilient character. He will deal with it. I’m sure,” the manager told the club’s media team before the key contest.
EtH has faith in Dalot
He also pointed out that the entire team needs to take responsibility and not just the Portugal international.
“But counts for Diogo and for the whole team. He was playing a brilliant game but you always get judged by moments and there he makes a mistake. He will deal with it. I’m not reserved, I’m sure he will be there on Sunday.”
Ten Hag decided to shift the former Porto star out to the left against the Blues while he had opted to play him on the right in the previous two games.
This last-minute tweak certainly did not help as Cole Palmer got the better of Dalot time and time again. With Mohamed Salah set to play on the right, it is likely Aaron Wan-Bissaka will move out to the left-hand side.
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