Man Utd defender highlights three things the team must improve on after Brighton loss

Diogo Dalot admitted Manchester United are struggling to stop other sides attacking.
Michael Plant
By Michael Plant
Published 8th Aug 2022, 13:07 BST
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Diogo Dalot has highlighted three things Manchester United must do better if they’re to stop sides cutting through them with ease.

It was too simple for Brighton & Hove Albion to find gaps in United’s regaurd on Sunday, with the Seagulls finding it relatively easy to move up the pitch with the ball in the build-up to both of Pascal Gross’s goals.

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The double from the German ensured Brighton came away from Old Trafford with three points, with Graham Potter’s men winning 2-1 on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

Dalot was involved in the scramble that led to United’s second-half goal. Credit: Getty.Dalot was involved in the scramble that led to United’s second-half goal. Credit: Getty.
Dalot was involved in the scramble that led to United’s second-half goal. Credit: Getty.

It was a similar United performance from those which fans were often forced to endure last season, with an inability to stop teams attacking, while Erik ten Hag’s side failed to create enough chances in possession.

But speaking after the game, Dalot admitted United must press more efficiently, and find ways to stop opposition sides launching counter-attacks.

“I think it was clear, the type of press that we need to do,” the Portuguese full-back told Sky Sports. “We want to do a high press all game, and as soon as we missed the press, that’s when we need to get better.

Pascal Gross scored twice in the first half at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.Pascal Gross scored twice in the first half at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.
Pascal Gross scored twice in the first half at Old Trafford. Credit: Getty.
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“That’s when we need to stop players, we need to start doing fouls, we need to get in better positions to stop counter-attacks.

“But this is a good thing to analyse for the future so that we can get better. We are going to have this week to analyse everything and try to improve on the next game.

“We need to cover each others’ backs, not just me when I’m high [up the pitch],” the defender continued.

“Obviously, when the midfielders are high I need to cover as well, when the centre-backs come out I need to cover. This is a cooperation between everyone on the pitch.

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“Obviously it will take time. But in football we don’t have that much time to improve. We just need to be quick and we just need to be patient with and without the ball.”

Dalot played the full 90 minutes for United on Sunday, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka an unused substitute against Brighton.

Related topics:BrightonSeagullsPortuguesePremier LeagueGraham Potter

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