Manchester United must step up for FA Cup, says Diogo Dalot
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AFC Bournemouth's Luis Sinisterra shoots at goal as Manchester United's Diogo Dalot reacts.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Manchester United cannot afford the errors they have made in their recent English Premier League matches if they want to win the FA Cup, fullback Diogo Dalot said after the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on April 13.
United, who take on Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals, are in seventh place after a winless streak of four games.
Bruno Fernandes equalised twice to salvage an unconvincing 2-2 draw after goals by Dominic Solanke and Justin Kluivert had put Bournemouth in front.
United were again guilty of allowing opponents far too many attempts at goal, with Bournemouth having 20 to United's eight.
Erik ten Hag's side have scored 47 league goals this season, the fewest among the top 10 teams in the standings, and conceded 48.
“It’s something we have to improve because it’s been nowhere near good enough for the level of this club,” Dalot said when asked about United allowing opponents so many attempts on goal.
“We need to take responsibility, we cannot hide from it.
“The standards are always high at this club. We have to be accountable for these types of mistakes that we are making as a team that we cannot if we want to fight for the big trophies.
“We have a huge opportunity to be in the FA Cup final.”
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes Casemiro must be held accountable for his poor performances.
He said on Sky Sports: “I’ve watched Casemiro for years and he’s one of my favourite defensive midfield players in football, I’ve loved watching him play.
“But right now, it looks like he’s in Soccer Aid. He’s playing the game at such a pace where it’s a bit of fun and there are celebrities coming on – no, this is the Premier League.”
United have picked up 50 points from 32 league games. They take on Coventry at Wembley on April 21 and host Sheffield United in the league three days later.
The Red Devils have now won just once in their last seven league games to leave ten Hag’s future as United boss next season in doubt.
“We have to win our games and we have dropped too many unnecessary points in the last few games,” said the Dutchman.
“The opponent was struggling because they gave so much energy in the first half and there were so many gaps but we didn’t benefit from it.”
United did benefit from a call right at the end of the match.
Bournemouth thought they had a penalty deep into stoppage time when Willy Kambwala blocked Ryan Christie’s charge into the box. They had given away one earlier via fullback Adam Smith.
After a penalty was initially awarded, the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened to say the foul had taken place outside the box.
“We had chances to finish with a better result. All the refereeing decisions were against us today,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
“I can’t understand the decisions.”
The result leaves Bournemouth eight points adrift of United in the European places. REUTERS
