How Diogo Dalot of Man United is Contending with the Premier League’s Top Four Manchester United struggled against Newcastle, and as a result of their loss in the North East, they are now in fourth position in the standings.
According to Diogo Dalot, Manchester United was aware that qualifying for the Champions League this season would be a “battle.” After making steady progress for months, it seemed almost certain that United would easily place in the top four this season, but a few poor outings have lowered the Reds to fourth place in the standings with 50 points.
United were defeated 2-0 by Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, and the Magpies moved up to third due to their superior goal difference, which could play a role in determining the European places.
Tottenham, who are fifth, are also a point behind United, and a win on Monday night would put them ahead.
The race for the top four in the Premier League has reopened, and Dalot believes it will always be a “battle,” despite the fact that Champions League football appeared to be a foregone conclusion just over a month ago.
“He is [Saint Maximin] a little bit unpredictable, but I think we can also do better not to let him switch play so often,” Dalot told MUTV when discussing United’s defeat and his difficult afternoon against the tricky winger.
“Through the right and the left, they could also find space in the middle, but I think everybody showed desire when it was time to defend. Everybody was helping each other and unfortunately, we couldn’t get the clean sheet. Overall, it’s disappointment but we have to look at it as a lesson and try to react on Wednesday [against Brentford].
“I think it’s good in football that we have an opportunity to react. We have no time to think too much about it, we have to think about Brentford, everybody recovers and be mentally and physically fresh for a good opponent.
“We have to control that game and win. We knew it was going to be a battle [top four], we have to have to focus on ourselves. We know it’s about us, if we control games and play as we can, we can win every game.
“That is our aim and we have to show that consistency on the pitch – we want a reaction on Wednesday.”
