Manchester United’s struggles in front of goal were evident once again in their Europa League last-16 clash against Real Sociedad. A crucial moment in the match saw Diogo Dalot make a poor decision, squandering a clear chance to set up Rasmus Hojlund for a potential goal.
Dalot sprinted down the right flank and found himself in a prime position to assist Hojlund, who had used his speed and strength to beat his marker. Rather than delivering a simple ball across the box, Dalot hesitated and cut back, causing the attack to break down. Robbie Savage, watching from the TNT Sports commentary box, was left stunned by the decision.
Savage criticized Dalot’s hesitation, arguing that the pass should have been automatic. He pointed out that Hojlund had done everything right to get into position, yet the ball never came. According to Savage, the lack of service the striker receives is a major issue, and Dalot’s mistake was a perfect example of it.
Paul Scholes echoed the frustration, stating that any competent right-back should recognize such an obvious opportunity. He labeled Dalot’s decision as a costly error, stressing that Hojlund was left without the chance he deserved.
Adding to the discussion, Gary Neville highlighted concerns over Hojlund’s form, noting that the striker had gone 18 matches without scoring. He recalled how Hojlund was substituted in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, with fans appearing almost relieved when he left the pitch. While Neville acknowledged the young forward’s talent, he admitted that his confidence had taken a serious hit.
As Manchester United struggles to find consistency, moments like Dalot’s missed pass continue to highlight their problems in the final third, frustrating both fans and pundits alike.
Manchester United’s inconsistency in the final third remains a major concern, and Dalot’s poor decision only highlighted the team’s struggles. If they hope to turn their season around, players must improve their awareness and decision-making in key moments. With Hojlund still searching for goals, providing him with better service could be crucial to unlocking his potential and boosting the team’s overall performance.