Diogo Dalot has picked his moments for assists this season. The first teed up Alejandro Garnacho for the goal of the season and the second invited Scott McTominay to resume his matchwinner mode.
Dalot's centre for McTominay was billed as a "David Beckham cross" by Paul Merson in the Villa Park studio. Dalot has tallied a modest nine assists for United and Sunday's was his finest. "I think I have the ability to do it," Dalot said in the mixed zone. "I still think I can get even more, so hopefully in the future." The United website queried whether Dalot is in the form of his life.
He isn't. That was in his first months under Erik ten Hag when he started all but one match (missed through suspension) and sustained that momentum at the World Cup.
Dalot ousted Joao Cancelo from the Portugal team in Qatar. Dalot's whipped cross against Aston Villa possibly closes the chapter on the five-year right-back battle at Manchester United.
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