Diogo Dalot immediately ignores Erik ten Hag’s request after Man Utd beat Everton
Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot defied the wishes of his manager Erik ten Hag by admitting the players are obsessed by the thought of winning a trophy this season.
The Red Devils have not lifted silverware of any kind since the 2017 Europa League, which was secured under the reign of Jose Mourinho. For a club of United’s stature, a trophy drought that lasts more than half a decade is far too long but Ten Hag has urged his players to take things game by game.
United are now in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup and the fourth round of the FA Cup following Friday night’s 3-1 win over Everton at Old Trafford. Despite a spirited display from the Toffees, Ten Hag’s men did more than enough to warrant their victory.
After the clash, Ten Hag was pressed for comment on the fact United remain in both domestic cup competitions as well the Europa League, in turn boosting their chances of finally winning a trophy this term.
The Dutchman was clearly trying to keep his troops’ feet firmly on the ground as he replied: “I know Man United are always aiming for trophies and we are going for that.
“We cannot force this and have to focus on the next game, not focus on trophies, that is far away. We have to work on the team and development.”
Diogo Dalot was clearly overjoyed with Man Utd’s FA Cup win over Everton
It remains to be seen how he’ll feel about comments made by right-back Dalot, who echoed an opposing sentiment to his boss when he was asked about the topic.
“It is our goal, to play for finals, to play in tournaments and win trophies – we want to make progress and today was one step further for us.”
The Portugal international went on to add: “It has to become an obsession for us to win trophies for our fans!
“They deserve it, they have been a long time without seeing it and I think for us players we have a good chance this season and like I say we have a good chance to put Manchester United back on top, fighting for trophies and we want to do that.”
United’s victory over Everton marked their seventh straight win, which further supports the feeling among the Red Devils faithful that Ten Hag is the right man to end the six-year wait for silverware.
With a two-point cushion in fourth spot, United also look odds on to secure Champions League qualification this term.
