Dalot goes forward again
One sequence in the Manchester derby shows how United's best run behind a set City block came from a full-back, while the centre-forward drifted away from the box.
It is 8:28 in the great Manchester derby and United seem to be attacking.
There are 8 City players behind the ball, with 5 of them covering 2 United players in forward positions.
Bruno Fernandes has the ball, with United’s CF Cunha positioned slightly behind Fernandes, jogging and waiting for a pass.
As United’s CF starts running towards the ball, raising his hands, Bruno notices that a player who is not the CF is making a good and unexpected run behind the lines.
He is supported by Mbeumo, who recognizes the run and immediately runs forward to stretch the back line and drag one of the defenders.
It is now 8:31 in the great Manchester derby.
Unfortunately, the player making the run is Diogo Dalot, an earnest & hard-working FB who, for some reason, has been making runs into central attacking zones for years.
Against all odds, the pass makes it to Dalot, but Dalot fails to make it to the pass.
If he gets a touch, if he manages to control it and place it, it’s probably a goal for United.
But he doesn’t. He never does.
Ever since Eric Ten Hag coached the team, Dalot has been floating in these forward areas, an eternal runner, neither receiving nor scoring.
It is now 8:32 and the chance is wasted. United’s CF never got close to the box.