Diogo Dalot did not hide his frustration after Manchester United let a 1–0 lead slip at Old Trafford, eventually drawing 1–1 with West Ham despite dominating large spells. The full-back, who scored his first Premier League goal at the Stretford End, said the team “became anxious”, lost control of the game and ultimately paid the price.
United had the chance to move into the top five, but a late set-piece goal from Magassa denied them. Bruno Fernandes then missed two huge opportunities in stoppage time, leaving United with a point that felt like a defeat.
Dalot’s assessment, speaking to Sky Sports, underscored the squad’s growing awareness that careless moments are costing them vital momentum at a critical point in the season.
Dalot on United’s collapse: “We cannot get as anxious as we got”
The Portuguese defender was blunt about where the blame lies:
“Disappointed… At 1–0 up with 30 minutes to go, we have to control the game much more. Especially at Old Trafford. We cannot get as anxious as we got after the goal.” — Diogo Dalot
He admitted United abandoned the structure that earned them the lead:
“You fight 60 minutes to score, and then you should keep doing the same things — even more controlling, longer possession. We knew West Ham would look for counters and set plays. We have to look at ourselves. It’s more our fault than credit to West Ham.”
The defender also reflected on the goal he scored:
“It’s amazing to score at the Stretford End… but I’d swap it for three points without thinking. We cannot be winning with 30 minutes to go and not control the game.”
Numbers that reflect Dalot’s influence vs West Ham
| Stat (2025/26) | Diogo Dalot |
|---|---|
| Accurate Passes | 35/46 (76%) |
| Goals | 1 |
| xG | 0.28 |
| Total Shots | 1 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Ground Duels (won) | 1/2 |
| Aerial Duels (won) | 1/5 |
source: Sofascore match data – 4 December 2025
Dalot’s offensive output was strong, but the defensive duels highlight United’s wider problem: losing 50/50 moments and failing to reset shape after transitions — precisely the areas West Ham exploited late on.
United must fix game management before ambitions drift
In our view, Dalot’s honesty is refreshing but also revealing. United’s issue is not creating chances — it is controlling matches once they take the lead. Although some fans blame missed chances, other indicators point to mentality and structure. When United score first, tempo often becomes frantic rather than calm.
Amorim’s high-line system demands composure, but when anxiety creeps in, players begin forcing passes rather than protecting control. Burnley and Palace showed similar patterns earlier this season — and those trends are now becoming costly.
United still aim for the top four, but Dalot is right: these are the results that widen gaps in the table before January even arrives.
Key insights
- Dalot says United “became anxious” after scoring and lost control.
- Defender insists the equaliser was “more our fault” than West Ham’s brilliance.
- Scored first PL goal at Old Trafford but says it feels hollow without the victory.
- United miss chance to climb into fifth after late Fernandes misses.
- Game management remains a recurring issue for Amorim’s side.
What’s Next?
Manchester United face a crucial December run as they look to stay in the Champions League race. With dropped points piling up, training emphasis is expected to shift toward possession control and defensive organisation in late-game moments. Dalot is almost certain to keep his starting place, with Amorim valuing his attacking contribution — but United must solve their closing-phase instability before tougher fixtures arrive.
👉 Is United’s biggest problem tactical — or psychological — when protecting a lead?
1 Comment (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 4 Dec 2025 22:34
bruno should have scored
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