Rúben Amorim has opened up about why Diogo Dalot was replaced against Nottingham Forest after a disappointing display from the Portuguese fullback.
Manchester United came away from The City Ground on Saturday afternoon with a point after a close 2-2 draw with Sean Dyche’s fresh side.
A strong header from Casemiro gave United the lead, rising highest from a Bruno Fernandes in-swinging corner, despite Forest’s protests against the initial decision from the officials.
But Forest were explosive out of the blocks in the second half, scoring two quick goals, both exposing United’s poor defending of crosses as Morgan Gibbs-White rose above Amad to equalise. This was shortly followed by Nicolo Savona pouncing on a sloppy second ball as United failed to deal with another cross. The Italian poked his effort past Senne Lammens to give Forest the lead.
United remained optimistic with chance after chance. Eventually, Amad sealed a point for United after connecting with a delicious volley from a Forest headed clearance to the edge of the 18-yard box. The Ivorian’s effort beat a helpless Mats Sels, levelling the game.
However, United fans have become tired of Diogo Dalot’s recent performances, and they will feel as though his substitution against Forest was long overdue.
Amorim addresses the issue with Dalot operating on the left side
Amorim has honestly assessed Dalot’s impact for United when he plays on the left. He stated, “If you see Dalot, many times Dalot has the ball with space to make the cross, but he’s a right-footer, he’s always inside without space.”
On multiple occasions against Forest, Dalot was seen cutting in from the left onto his favoured right foot, often resulting in him running into Forest defenders and being forced into going backwards.
“The only thing with Patrick [Chinazaekpere Dorgu], he is going to do the same thing, but when you have the ball go to the side and cross,” the United boss added.
Dorgu replaced his Portuguese teammate in the 68th minute and added a burst of energy to United’s attacks. The Dane, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, gave the option of running the ball to the byline and swinging a cross into the Forest box on his favoured left foot.
“The space is there, if you want to go inside, [Matheus] Cunha is there always to receive the ball.”
Dalot is preventing United’s summer signings from shining
Having the option of driving down the line to cross the ball can definitely bring out the best of Benjamin Šeško, whose athleticism can always be a threat with his Ariel prowess and giant frame.
Alternatively, having Cunha as an option on the inside can be devastating for opponents. The Brazilian has scored more goals from outside the box than any other Premier League player since the start of last season.
Utilising a profile like Dorgu can get the best out of these great United threats and provide a larger variety of routes to goal for Amorim’s side.
Perhaps, Amorim will opt for the flexibility of Dorgu in attack in United’s next fixture away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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