Dalot expects tough Burnley test
Manchester United travel to Burnley on Tuesday evening for an important Premier League clash, and Diogo Dalot highlighted the need for concentration if the Reds are to return to Old Trafford with three points.
Looking ahead to the match, Dalot expects the hosts, who are looking for just a second Premier League win of the season, to pose a physical challenge in East Lancashire.
“We had a very good game, but we felt the physical part and the intensity they put into the game, especially with long balls and duels in the air,” Dalot said of the reverse fixture at Old Trafford, which United won 3-1.
“I am sure they will try and do the same [on Tuesday].”
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As a full-back, Dalot explained the importance of focus when facing a side like Burnley.
“[We need] a little bit more concentration in some aspects of the game; being balanced when we don’t have the ball, so we are ready for counter attacks.
“But at the end of the day we have to do the same things that we do every single game and try and win the game.”
Since Ralf Rangnick’s appointment in November, Dalot has featured in the German’s starting XI more often than not, and the 22-year-old is grateful for regular minutes.
He said: “It has been very good for me to have more gametime and more back-to-back games. It brings me more confidence and more rhythm to give [everything] for the team.”
Dalot added that it's always healthy to have good competition for your position, as he does in the form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“For me it is very good to have competition like Aaron. This healthy competition is good for us to keep that hunger of every single day trying to earn that spot and be there to play.
“I am going to try and do that every day and it is good for everyone.”
Having missed Friday’s FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, January’s Premier League Player of the Month David De Gea is expected to return to the starting line-up for the Reds’ trip to Turf Moor.
And Dalot was quick to praise the Spaniard, who has been in inspired form this season.
He said: “He has always been a very important player for our team.
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“For me he is one of the best goalkeepers that we have ever had in the game, and we are so happy to have him at this level, playing like this.”
The visit to Burnley is United’s second of seven February fixtures, but Dalot is relishing the busy schedule.
“It is an exciting few weeks ahead of us now,” he said. “We are ready for it, and it can be very good if we have a good run of games.
“It is a proper Premier League game. It is going to be a difficult game, we know that Burnley at home are always tough to play, but hopefully we can bring the three points home.”