Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot delivered an impressive performance during the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways with a victory at City Ground, but their performance was not entirely convincing over 90 minutes.
They still managed to come on top after a late goal from Casemiro from a Bruno Fernandes freekick.
Aside from Casemiro, Andre Onana also had a good outing on the road. The Cameroonian star made a couple of crucial saves after the break.
In our view, Diogo Dalot was the best performer last night. The Portuguese nullified the threat of Anthony Elanga, who has been Forest’s most creative player.
The 24-year-old had 72 touches, completing 93 per cent of his passes. He created three key chances for his teammates including a brilliant cross for Scott McTominay, who should have scored.
Elsewhere, Dalot made four clearances and looked assured defensively compared to the Fulham game.
The €35 million-rated star will need to replicate a similar performance on Sunday when United take on a rampant Manchester City side in a Premier League derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The Red Devils are already eight points behind Aston Villa for the final Champions League spot. The gap could be 11 points if the Villans manage to beat Luton on the road on Saturday.
Hence, the derby is a must-win for the Red Devils. United must turn up for the big occasion and beat the Cityzens, who have been vulnerable against counter-attacking teams this term.
Chelsea gave a clear idea over how teams can unsettle City. The Blues should have won, having held onto a 1-0 lead for so long. United need to do something similar but can’t afford defensive mishaps.
Erling Haaland missed three big chances versus the Blues, but he will be raring to go in the Manchester derby on the back of scoring five times against Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round win.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
