Erik ten Hag says Manchester United star will ‘deal with’ crucial error in Chelsea defeat

Manchester United’s last three games have all been decided in stoppage time. The first of those three games was against Liverpool in the FA Cup, with Amad Diallo sealing a classic win over the Anfield club with a 120th-minute winner.

After the two-week break to accommodate international fixtures, United were denied a late defeat by Brentford when Kristoffer Ajer scored in the 99th minute.

Earlier this week, United turned three points into nothing in a minute, with Chelsea scoring two goals in the 100th and 101st minute respectively to seal a 4-3 win.

Chelsea’s first and third goals were both penalties and the latter was conceded by Diogo Dalot, who has been regarded as by many as United’s best player this season.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Liverpool, Ten Hag has commented on Dalot’s error, insisting the Portuguese international will ‘deal with it’.

“Absolutely,” Ten Hag confidently told the official Manchester United website on whether the former Porto star will put the mistake behind him.

“Diogo is a very resilient character. He will deal with it. I’m sure. But [that] counts for Diogo and for the whole team.

“He was playing a brilliant game but you always get judged by moments and there he makes a mistake. He will deal with it. I’m not reserved, I’m sure he will be there on Sunday.”

Dalot will almost certainly be one fourth of another makeshift backline for the Reds, with both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans exiting the game at Stamford Bridge due to injury.

That leaves Harry Maguire as the only fit senior centre-back, meaning youngster Willy Kambwala is likely to partner the former Reds skipper.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is in line to feature at left-back again, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still on the sidelines for the foreseeable future.