Diogo Dalot has been singled out by Manchester United icon Paul Scholes for being “guilty” of the same error in multiple games during their draw with Fenerbahce.
Former manager Jose Mourinho disappointed the Red Devils in Istanbul on Thursday, and they are still awaiting their first Europa League victory.
Against Mourinho’s Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Christian Eriksen gave Manchester United the lead early on, but Youssef En-Nesyri responded for the Turks after the interval to earn a 1-1 draw.
The headlines this time were dominated by Mourinho, even though Man Utd’s third straight draw in the competition may not do much to stop rumours about Erik ten Hag’s future as manager.
After Fenerbahce was denied a penalty in the second half, the Portuguese was removed to the stands for what he shouted to the referees.
After the Portugal international raced back to defend, Dalot let the Fenerbahce striker cut inside for En-Nesyri’s goal.
After the game, Scholes singled out Dalot and claimed the Manchester United full-back is “guilty” of making the same error “quite a bit” in games.
“I think Dalot’s guilty of that quite a bit,” Scholes stated on TNT Sports. You are well aware of Saint-Maximin’s course of action in that circumstance.
You know they have a dangerous player in the box, so he [Dalot] needs to act faster quickly and get to him.
Dalot doesn’t do that enough, but it’s a wonderful ball in, and he won’t miss from there.
“He needs to improve that aspect of his game, but he’s been fine and one of United’s top players this season.
“He’s a real threat, so you have to stop that at the source or they’ll score.”
“I think on the face of it it’s okay, you would probably take that result before the game, it’s a decent draw,” Scholes continued, referring to the overall outcome.
“The two outcomes are as follows: Porto away, a difficult place to go, good draw.” Excellent draw, Fenerbahce away. The home game against Twente was particularly disappointing; you ought to be defeating those teams.
“They need to start winning games soon because they’re in a terrible position in that Europa League.”
Ten Hag commented on the tie in Turkey, saying: “From two tough away games, Porto and Fenerbahce, we take two points, which is a result.” Manchester United is presently ranked 21st out of 36 teams in the redesigned Europa League group phase.
Naturally, though, when you are up, and particularly when you can see the goal, which begins with the free kick that was put directly into our block. It shouldn’t occur.
Then, it’s just a straightforward one-cross-a-goal situation. We had opportunities to score a second goal both before and after that, putting us ahead 2-0 or 2-1, but we chose not to take them.
“I believe some excellent opportunities. Rashy [Marcus Rashford] had an excellent chance in the first half. Rashy’s last pass came on the right foot for him in the second half as well.
It’s unfortunate, of course, and you’re unhappy that you didn’t win.
“However, we must win games at Old Trafford and accept the point.”