It is hard to pin Manchester United’s implosion against Coventry City on one or two woeful players. As a team, Erik ten Hag’s side simply handled the opponents’ second hand fightback very poorly.
There were a few very, very good individual performances among the Manchester United team.
The top two in our player ratings were Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes, both on the scoresheet, and combining for United’s second goal.
Fernandes was among the scorers in the penalty shootout, with United winning 4-2 after a dramatic 120 minutes with the game improbably ending 3-3.
Diogo Dalot key moments v Coventry
One player who stood out for all the right reasons was defender Diogo Dalot, who did not put a foot wrong all game.
Dalot got Casemiro out of trouble early on when the Brazilian looked like he was left one one one at the halfway line, before the Portuguese defender raced back to mop up the danger.
Minutes later Dalot had played a key role in putting Manchester United 1-0 up, when he whipped in a low cross for Scott McTominay to score.
This was Dalot’s fifth assist of the season, a career best output. Only Bruno Fernandes (10) and Marcus Rashford (6) have more.
There was another key moment at the end of the first half when the right-back made a key interception to cut out a low Coventry cross.
Dalot also made a key block at the end of normal time as Coventry pushed for a winner, and provided composure when the team needed it in the penalty shootout.
After Casemiro missed United’s opening spot-kick, the pressure was on Dalot. He remained calm, leathering the ball into the bottom corner, getting the team back on track.
Diogo Dalot stats v Coventry
Here are Diogo Dalot’s key numbers against Coventry across the 120 minutes.
- 84 Touches
- 94% Pass Accuracy
- 3 Chances Created
- 5 Interceptions
- 3 Clearances
- 9 Recoveries
- 100% Aerial Duels won
- 1 Assist
Dalot’s numbers demonstrate a player at the top of his game at both ends of the pitch, and he has been a consistent performer all season long. He is determined the team build on this victory and go on and win the trophy.
Diogo Dalot message
Diogo Dalot wrote on Instagram at full-time: “We are in the @emiratesfacup final ❤️A hard-fought qualification.
“Honour to Coventry and their fans. This is what cup matches and the FA Cup are all about.
“A massive thank you to the United fans for your constant support 🙏 Let’s give our all in this season ending.”