Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has underlined the importance of the Reds taking maximum points from tonight’s UEFA Champions League fixture against FC Copenhagen.
Dalot and co go into the matchday-three meeting with the Danish club looking to get off the mark in Group A, following successive defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in our opening two European outings.
This evening's fixture is therefore an important one, as well as an emotional occasion given it's the first game at Old Trafford since the immensely sad news of club legend Sir Bobby Charlton passing away on Saturday.
Diogo – scorer of the winner in our 2-1 victory at Sheffield United later that same day - explains in a pre-match interview with club media how the Reds can take strength from what is set to be a spirited atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams. You can read and watch what our no.20 had to say below.
“No, I think it's the best way to do it, especially in away games. I mean, it's a special feeling when you have a stand full of fans supporting you on a tough pitch and the way that we celebrate all together, I think it was the best feeling ever.”
“I think it will be very special for the club, for the fans. I mean, it's an opportunity for us to say a proper goodbye for everyone together and remember him as a legend of this club, as a legend of English football, world football. And I think we're going to have a good opportunity to show our love and to show our support, to support his family. And I think there's no better way and no better place to do it than Old Trafford.”
European football is something that meant so much to Sir Bobby. It's a hugely important Champions League game against Copenhagen. How are you feeling ahead of it?
“I'm excited. I think we feel confident that we have a good chance to get the three points that will build us some momentum to go into the next games. Obviously, we want to go through this competition, we want to go through the group stage and we have to win games, and this will be a good opportunity for us to do it.”
Nothing less than three points will do. I'm sure the fans will be urging you on in an emotionally charged atmosphere. How much can that inspire you?
“It will give us a lot of strength, I'm sure. I think that these fans are known for that, as giving us the power sometimes when things are not going so well, to put us back on track and get us standing again and facing the challenge that we have during the game. And I think it will be a great atmosphere for us to play with, on a fantastic European evening. I think that's what the fans love as well and hopefully we can all together, all combined, we can win the game.”