Dalot: It was all about the mentality

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Saturday 25 May 2024 19:38

Diogo Dalot hailed Manchester United’s battling mentality as we beat crosstown rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo fired the Reds into an unassailable lead in the capital, with Jeremy Doku’s late strike proving to be only a late consolation for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Roared on by our magnificent supporters at the national stadium, Erik ten Hag’s side returned following our defeat against City in last year’s final to bounce back in spectacular fashion.

Diogo, who was recently named our Players’ Player of the Year, says everything he did was more than worth it for our fans’ loyal support across the season.

“[It is] amazing. Especially after this season it is a special feeling and these fans deserve it more than anything,” began Diogo when speaking to MUTV.

“They have been with us all the way through and they have been amazing sometimes perhaps when we didn’t even deserve it.

“Today I think we have ended well on what has been a tough season. It means a lot winning this trophy, it is has been tough I will be honest.

“This was a very big step for us and next season we will do things better.”

Tasked with dealing with the ever-threatening Bernardo Silva across the 90 minutes, Dalot stifled his compatriot well on an afternoon that will live long in the memory.

“It was more than the game plan, the mentality, you could smell it in the dressing room,” added the 25-year-old.

“In the game we were connected with each other, we were ready like I have never seen this season.

“At times last season we were 100 per cent into it and today showed that if we are a team and we have this mentality, we can beat anyone.”

Rounding off the campaign in fine fashion, the Reds now have European football to look forward to next season, having qualified for the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League with the victory.

Dalot insisted celebrations are in order and he cannot wait to share his time with those closest to him.

“[I will spend it] with my family, I just want to hug them, my wife, my daughter, it has been a really tough season and they have been through it with me,” said Diogo.

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Saturday 25 May 2024 19:38