The curtain came down on Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Saturday as Erik ten Hag’s side drew 2-2 at the Optus Stadium in Perth against Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
Goals from Jadon Sancho and a Matty Cash own goal gave United a two-goal lead, before Leon Bailey scored after the break, with Callum Chambers clawing it back level in the 93rd minute.
Diogo Dalot has enjoyed a good spell away on tour, with the Portuguese right-back seemingly Ten Hag’s first choice in his position and ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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Reacting to United’s final game Down Under, Dalot said: [It was] difficult. I mean I think you all can see, difficult conditions, the pitch was not very good to play football.”
United ended the first half two goals to the good, before losing momentum after the interval with Emi Buendia and Bailey injecting a new lease of life into Villa.
On the first 45, Dalot said: “I think we [played] a good first half. We scored two beautiful goals, the way we want to play.
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“The second half a little bit difficult. I think we could [have] come into the second half a bit more lively.
"We concede some counter-attacks that we shouldn’t, and obviously the pitch was getting more and more difficult, so the game was a little bit more ugly.
“But in the end, we should be happy for what we did on this tour.”
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Post-game, the Reds immediately headed for the airport to fly back to Manchester, although two more friendlies remain to be played against Atletico Madrid in Oslo, before facing Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
Looking back on the two weeks away in Bangkok, Melbourne, and Perth, Dalot believes it was a good experience for the squad.
“I think it was positive. In the end, it’s a step forward. I think everyone did a great job," he said.
"Not just the players, but all the staff, all the media, everything. Everything that’s onto this tour, I think we did a good job together.
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“Now we go back to Manchester, and we prepare, two more games, for the beginning of the season.”
The tour was Dalot’s third since joining the club in 2018 under Jose Mourinho, and one the 23-year-old was surprised by due the support of the fans.
“I mean they’ve been unbelievable,” said Dalot.
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“I have been lucky enough to be on two tours, and every time, they surprise me with the love and support they get worldwide. No matter what country we are going, they are always there, so we are very happy with them.”
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Aston Villa, Diogo Dalot, Football, Premier League
Aadam Haladh