'It's a fact' - Diogo Dalot contradicts Man United manager Erik ten Hag and admits to major problem

Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Bournemouth showcased an ongoing concern.

Although Manchester United have conceded at least 20 shots in nine of their last 10 games in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag has played down the problem.

Only Luton Town (576) have conceded more shots than United (574) and that openness naturally increases the opposition's chances of finding the back of the net. Bournemouth took the lead twice against United at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday and would have been out of sight in the first half if they'd converted their early chances.

The points were shared and the result meant United have four points fewer after 32 games this season than they did under David Moyes in 2013/14, which is damning.

ALSO READ: United players ratings against Bournemouth

ALSO READ: Mainoo and Fernandes exchange highlights another United problem

Ten Hag admitted that a lot of the problems at the Vitality Stadium came down the right side in the first period, something he tried to rectify at half-time. And after the game, right-back Diogo Dalot spoke to the Manchester Evening News and was asked about the worrying rate of chances United have conceded this season.

Unlike his manager, he admitted it was a problem. Interestingly, the full-back also highlighted the space between the defensive line midfield as an issue that needed to be solved.

"I think it’s a fact, something we are looking for. Maybe we are taking too many risks, sometimes the gap between the defence and midfield is a little bit too big," said Dalot.

"This is why we are sometimes getting the counter-attacks too many times and are conceding too many shots, but overall we are looking forward to taking this as a learning process and trying to do better.

“I’m disappointed. We wanted to come here and get the three points. We were down twice, so we had the hunger to fight for the game. I think we lost control in situations we shouldn’t and that was the script of the match.

"I mean, we lost a little bit of control, especially building up from the back in situations where we shouldn’t and we conceded two goals in the first half - we could have avoided that, but overall we have the attitude to fight for the result and that’s a positive to take away."

Willy Kambwala started again for United and, unfortunately, had a difficult evening against the physically imposing Dominic Solanke, who scored the first goal after the teenager slipped on the surface.

However, the youngster impressed with his performance in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool and has done well coming into an inconsistent team at a high-pressure stage of the season.

"Obviously, that’s one of the things I try to do more now, even more," Dalot said when asked about his role in the dressing room and helping Kambwala.

"I think Willy has done a fantastic job coming into the team when we needed him. It’s not easy to come in such a difficult time, but he’s a great character, a great personality and I’m sure he’ll very successful at this club."

United play Championship club Coventry in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next. The travelling support has sung about Wembley on each away day over the last few weeks and remaining in the competition has provided a glimmer of hope in a bleak campaign.

"It’s a huge opportunity for us [semi-final against Coventry] and it’s where we wanted to be - a chance to make the FA Cup final," Dalot said about next weekend's clash.

"We have one game to be there and it has to be the same attitude and energy we should have done throughout this season and the motivation has to be there because we want to be in the final, we want to win it. It’s going to be a huge game for us."

United's players have dropped like flies with injury problems this season but Dalot has always been available, taking extra measures to manage his body and recovery.

"Trying to do my best, my recovery, I try to always do what I can to always be available physically and mentally," he said. "I try to help the team. I do a lot of things."