Diogo Dalot tries to answer the question every Manchester United fan is asking

Diogo Dalot has suggested that the gap between Manchester United's defence and midfield could be the reason why they are conceding a staggering amount of shots this season.

United produced another poor performance as they drew 2-2 with Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday evening and were fortunate to even escape with a point to show for it.

The home side recorded 20 shots in the match, compared with just eight for Erik ten Hag's side. It means United have now faced 132 shots in their last five matches alone and 574 across the entirety of the Premier League campaign.

Speaking after the draw with Bournemouth, defender Dalot was asked why it is that United have been so porous at the back this season. "I think it’s a fact, something we are looking for," he admitted. "Maybe we are taking too many risks, sometimes the gap between the defence and midfield is a little bit too big, which is why we are sometimes getting the counter-attacks too many times and are conceding too many shots, but overall we are looking forward to take this as a learning process and trying to do better."

"I’m disappointed. We wanted to come here and get the three points. We were down twice, so we had the hunger to fight for the game. I think we lost control in situations we shouldn’t and that was the script of the match. I mean, we lost a little bit of control, especially building up from the back in situations where we shouldn’t and we conceded two goals in the first half - we could have avoided that, but overall we have the attitude to fight for the result and that’s a positive to take away."

United's extensive injury issues have also been a contributing factor to their defensive vulnerability, with Ten Hag only have two fit centre-backs available for their trip to Bournemouth yesterday. It was a tough experience for teenager Willy Kambwala, who was brought back down to earth after his incredible performance against Liverpool a week ago, but Dalot was full of praise for the French defender.

Asked about being a leader to the younger players, he added: “Obviously, that’s one of the things I try to do more now, even more. I think Willy has done a fantastic job coming into the team when we needed him. It’s not easy to come in such a difficult time, but he’s a great character, a great personality and I’m sure he’ll very successful at this club.

"Trying to do my best, my recovery, I try to always do what I can to always be available physical and mentally. I try to do help the team. I do a lot of things but I keep them to myself."