Manchester United were left with their tail between their legs last weekend as they were completely outclassed in the Manchester derby, with the Reds’ bitter rivals putting six past them at the Etihad Stadium.
The defeat came after United had put a streak of four consecutive Premier League wins together and Erik ten Hag did not hold back in his post-match criticism.
Speaking after the 6-3 loss, Ten Hag admitted that he was surprised by the nature of United’s defeat and put the loss down to a lack of self-belief.
It would be odd for players on a four-game winning streak to be short of confidence but now, full-back Diogo Dalot has insisted that Ten Hag’s criticism did not have a negative effect on the squad.
“It did not hurt,” Dalot is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News. “I think this should be the standard of this club. If you play for Man United you have to believe every single game. You have to have confidence as well but you have to take the responsibility that you’re playing for the biggest club in the world.
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“This has to be normal for us but in a good way – not be overwhelmed with that but take it as a responsibility and this has to be the standard for every player not just the fans because they always demand everything but for us as well we have to demand.
“After a defeat like that it is always tough, but it is time to take responsibility and especially improve in some aspects which we should for the rest of the season. We had a lot of challenges today and we needed a response. The three points is what we came for and we are happy with that.”
Dalot has emerged as one of United’s most important players under Erik ten Hag, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his closest competitor, left on the periphery of proceedings.
SN’s verdict…
Ten Hag’s chastening post-match delivery last weekend was spot on and some of the players in action in the derby left a lot to be desired. Losing a derby is acceptable but the manner in which United did so is not.
The boss will have been looking for an immediate response against Omonia but again, speaking after the game, he admitted that he felt the need to make changes at half-time after an underwhelming first 45 minutes against the Cypriot minnows.
United now face the challenge of winning at Everton on Sunday and their record there hardly fills you with confidence.
