Manchester United have just had one of the games of the season against Liverpool, and I was there to experience it all.
Erik ten Hag‘s side are on the way to Wembley. A dramatic 4-3 victory against Liverpool means that Manchester United are still up for silverware this season, heading into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
The Old Trafford atmosphere was simply electric. I’ve been to the famous ground many times over the year, but I’ve rarely seen it rocking like it was against our bitter rivals.
There was a sea of good performances, but one player stood out to me more than most. He once again proved he’s here for the long run in Manchester United’s first-team squad.
Diogo Dalot immense against Liverpool
Diogo Dalot, once again, barely put a foot wrong against Liverpool. As he has so many times this season, he was one of United’s top performers.
He had the harsh task of stopping Luis Diaz on the night, who in all honesty, barely had a sniff. Dalot’s defensive capabilities have really improved this season, and to face a wizard of a winger such as Diaz with relatively no issues is very impressive.
But it’s not just his defensive capabilities. Sitting high up in the Stretford End, I could see Dalot’s positional awareness in attacking phases – and it was second to none.
He’s turning into a complete full-back, which all but ensures he’s going to be in Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s plans amid the impending rebuild.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe will sell in the summer, but Dalot will be staying put
Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob are seemingly planning a huge summer clearout around Carrington, but Dalot will be a name that is in the starting XI for next season, and many seasons to come.
He has proven, including myself, a lot of doubters wrong that he can solidify that place as right-back full-time. There are no questions now.
He always turns up in big games, and Liverpool epitomised this. From the first minute to the last, he was immense. We are seriously lucky to have the £19 million man from Porto on our side.