UNITED WE STAND

Dalot embodied togetherness and leadership key to best display yet under Amorim

- Andy Dunn

IN a team widely decried as being without leaders, all of a sudden they were everywhere.

Harry Maguire refusing to be passed, Kobbie Mainoo ignoring a kick to the head to boss the midfield, Manuel Ugarte putting up one of his most imposing performances in a Manchester United jersey.

Then there was Diogo Dalot, the frequently doubted Diogo Dalot, the right-back playing as a left wing-back.

In Sunday's thrilling 2-2 draw at Anfield, he had the most touches in the opposition box, made the most crosses in open play and won possession the most times.

In overall passes and touches, he ranked second.

Those were the impressive statistics. The more striking visual takeaway was that he made Trent Alexander-Arnold's life a misery for an hour and a half.

It was part of a United display that was the best yet under Ruben Amorim, on a day when the new Portuguese manager's call for leaders finally seemed to be answered.

"It pinched me," said Dalot. "That's what he wants for every player.