Diogo Dalot was heavily criticized for his poor marking during Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Brentford at Old Trafford. Brentford took the lead just before halftime, with Ethan Pinnock heading home from Mikkel Damsgaard’s corner after Dalot failed to stay with his man. Despite the defensive lapse, United managed a second-half comeback to win 2-1, easing the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag had been facing scrutiny before the international break, and Pinnock’s opener added to the tension. Dalot’s inability to track Pinnock drew criticism, with pundits calling his defending “embarrassing.” Ex-players Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton also questioned Manchester United’s reaction, particularly regarding Matthijs de Ligt, who was off the pitch receiving treatment for a head injury during Brentford’s goal. United later turned the game around with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, securing a much-needed victory.
The win moves United up the Premier League table, with Ten Hag’s side responding well to halftime adversity.