Diogo Dalot sparks Man United explosion, ‘Amorim to hammer ace over Hojlund issue’
Man United full-back Diogo Dalot was slammed by Robbie Savage after one moment early on in his side’s Europa League clash with Real Sociedad.
The Red Devils went into that game in Spain on Thursday (6 March) knowing this competition is their last hope of silverware after defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup at the weekend.
That loss had led to many Man United fans calling for the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim, so he will have wanted a strong start to the first leg of the round of 16 tie.
However his side failed to make the most of an opportunity to do just that early on, and in the process extended the frustrations of Rasmus Hojlund.
Diogo Dalot fails to tee up Rasmus Hojlund for big opportunity
It has been a difficult few months for the striker leading the attack for the Red Devils, with the Dane failing to find the net in any of the last 18 games.
That has led to some already questioning the future of Hojlund at Man United, little more than a season-and-a-half after he made the move to Old Trafford.
Against Sociedad though, the striker was let down by the service, or lack of, he was provided by one of his teammates in the form of Dalot.
| Rasmus Hojlund for Man United in 2024/25 | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 35 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
| Minutes Played | 2,071 |
With 19 minutes on the clock, ball over the top found Dalot on the right of the Sociedad area, with Hojlund having made a run into the area ready to tap in a pull back from close range.
However, no pass would come, with the right-back instead eventually pulling the ball back to Alejandro Garnacho, before the attack died down with a tame Patrick Dorgu shot.
Speaking on commentary on TNT Sports, Savage was far from impressed with the contribution of Dalot to that, suggesting Man United boss Amorim will not be either.
Giving his thoughts on the move, the former Wales international said (6:04pm): “So people can criticise Hojlund for not scoring in 18 games. But there, he’s made the run, why on earth has Dalot not passed it there?
“If I was a manager I would be screaming, now, just play it, he’s in, he’s got goal side of the defender, roll it across. It’s a simple pass, that’s unacceptable.
“Some people criticise Hojlund, he’s made the right run, he’s got past the defender, Dalot all he has to do is roll it across then it’s up to Hojlund. They didn’t get the opportunity.
“That’s not acceptable, if I was a manager now I would be absolutely hammering him personally.”
Rasmus Hojlund can be frustrated with his Man United teammate
Football Insider Verdict
No one would blame Hojlund if he was to be far from happy over his lack of service from Dalot in this instance.
Any striker would be feeling the pressure on the sort of goal drought the Man United man is enduring, and that may be increased by the fact he is playing at this level.
This was an excellent opportunity for Hojlund to end that run, but the failure of Dalot to play the pass prevented that from happening.
As a result, the Dane may be entitled to express some disappointment with his teammate, especially given that with the game locked at 0-0 at half-time it cost Man United a chance to take control of the tie.