Jeremy Doku has spoken out about the true effect of Diogo Dalot’s potential red card-worthy challenge in the Manchester Derby
Manchester United fans are loving life under interim manager, Michael Carrick after they went two wins out of two, facing arguably the two strongest sides in the Premier League.
The weekend saw United deservedly secure three points at the Emirates in an exciting 3-2 victory against Arsenal thanks to a tidy finish from Bryan Mbeumo and two wonder strikes from Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.
The weekend before saw Carrick’s side dominate Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a brilliant 2-0 display, leaving United currently sat in 4th place as they hunt down Champions League football.
However, the derby could have played out very different if Diogo Dalot’s first-half challenge connecting with the knee of Jeremy Doku resulted in the Portugal international seeing a red card.
Doku has come forward about the challenge, revealing the full effect that it had on him as it may have been more serious than initially thought.
Doku left sidelined thanks to Dalot’s challenge
The Belgium international went straight to the floor in pain after the studs of Dalot’s left boot struck into Doku’s right knee.
Doku stated, “I can only say that I continued to play but was painful to play in Norway.”
“You guys know my feelings about it. I could have [been out for a long time]. It happened and I didn’t play in Norway but I don’t ant to go too much into it. It is the past now. Thanks to the Lord I didn’t get injured badly and I am able to play now. It is the only thing I can focus on now.”
He added: “Knowing myself and my character, I know I am not a diver. If I fall on the ground then is probably because something happened. In terms of laws, I just know that when I am on the ground I am not diving.
“It is their responsibility to see if it is a yellow or red, a foul or not a foul – that is their job.”
Was Dalot lucky to avoid red?
Whilst Doku continued to play in the majority of the Manchester derby, the 23-year-old was unable to make it onto the pitch in Norway to face Bodo/Glimt in City’s 3-1 Campions League loss.
At the time, Pep Guardiola called for a red card and has complained since about how the decision felt rushed to continue with the game.
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With a red card being defined as ‘serious foul play’ by the FA, it would be hard for United fans to dispute the decision of a red card after seeing where Dalot connects with Doku.
However, the Man City winger maintained an optimistic attitude aiming to look past the derby and move on. Meanwhile, United will look to keep up their run of great form under Carrick, as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford as soon as February arrives.
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