**Diogo Dalot Faces Criticism After Missed Chance Against West Ham**
Diogo Dalot, the full-back for Manchester United, has come under intense scrutiny on social media after a glaring missed opportunity during the team’s recent match against West Ham. Fans and analysts took to Twitter to voice their disbelief, with some even suggesting that his miss might have been intentional. This incident adds to the challenges already facing the Red Devils this season and heightens the scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag.
**What Happened?**
In the first half at London Stadium, Dalot had a prime opportunity to score after a brilliant setup from Bruno Fernandes. Positioned in front of an open goal, it appeared he would easily convert the chance. However, in a shocking turn, he shot the ball over the bar, leaving his teammates and fans in disbelief as United let another crucial opportunity slip away.
**Fan Reactions and Accusations**
Social media erupted following the miss, with fans expressing a mix of outrage and suspicion. One user, @CasaDupre, suggested that Dalot’s miss could have been deliberate, tweeting, “Dalot wants ETH out. Real real.” Another, @StokeyyG2, likened the moment to Steven Gerrard’s famous penalty miss, implying that Dalot’s failure was aimed at getting Ten Hag fired. This unfounded speculation reflects a growing frustration among fans who feel some players may not fully support the manager.
Prominent YouTuber and United supporter @markgoldbridge added his shock, tweeting, “WTF Dalot!!! That’s unmissable…” Many fans echoed this sentiment, while another account, @UtdEIIis, called the mistake “f*cking criminal.” Journalist @samuelluckhurst described it as the “Miss of the season,” emphasizing the astonishment shared by viewers.
**The Larger Issue – Finishing Struggles Under Ten Hag**
Dalot’s miss highlights a broader issue with Manchester United’s finishing, which has plagued the team throughout the season. Despite creating over 1.50 expected goals (xG) against West Ham, the forwards consistently fail to convert chances. Prior to this match, the team had scored only seven league goals, a number matched by Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest, underscoring their struggles in front of goal.
This lack of finishing raises critical questions about player confidence and tactical execution as Ten Hag tries to instill his vision. While there are glimpses of potential, the inability to capitalize on chances puts additional pressure on the manager’s capacity to drive improvement.
**What Lies Ahead for Manchester United and Ten Hag?**
The 2-1 defeat to West Ham increases the pressure on Erik ten Hag, who must find a solution to the team’s finishing woes if he hopes to keep his job. With each missed opportunity, calls for accountability grow louder. Despite Ten Hag’s defense of his players, incidents like Dalot’s miss complicate efforts to calm the frustrated fanbase.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will face Leicester City in the League Cup at Old Trafford on Tuesday. This match offers a chance for the team to regain momentum, but Ten Hag’s position could be precarious if they fail to perform. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Ten Hag and his players respond to the mounting pressure and whether they can finally achieve the consistency necessary to turn things around.
