Diogo Dalot and Nemanja Matic both deserve praise for performances in Manchester United win

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Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show as he scored a hat-trick in Manchester United’s huge win over Tottenham on Saturday.

Ronaldo’s treble pushed United to a memorable 3-2 victory and reminded everybody why he will always be a truly special player.

Along with scoring his 805th, 806th and 807th career goals, Ronaldo set a host of records, and he did it with the help of star attacker Jadon Sancho, who continued his recent surge in form.

Amid the Ronaldo and Sancho show, there were three players whose performances deserve a little more credit, who made valuable contributions…

Fred

Fred is a little of an odd man out in this list because he has had a fair bit of praise after this weekend’s display already.

Gary Neville said he considered naming him man of the match instead of Ronaldo, with the Brazilian playing a crucial role in helping United progress the ball upfield, and even provided an assist.

But the point remains, Fred is a hugely underrated player who regularly cops criticism – some warranted, in reference to a poor display against City, and often uncalled for.

Since Ralf Rangnick was appointed, Fred has been United’s most improved player, and has five assists in total this season, his best return yet.

Fred created three chances in the win over Tottenham, while also contributing valuably on the defensive side of the ball.

Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot returned to the Manchester United starting line-up for the first time in five matches and he was an improvement over Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The right-back showed good positional awareness and cleared an early chance off the line which Eric Dier had headed towards goal.

Dalot linked the play well without enjoying particularly great success going forward, but United just look and feel a lot better when he is starting.

Long term into next season, its unclear if Dalot is the answer, but for right now he is the best option United have at the right-back position.

Nemanja Matic

Manchester United need a time machine, not only to undo the Glazers ever taking over – but to make Nemanja Matic younger too.

Matic adds so much more balance to United’s midfield, and enabled Fred to get forward more. The Serbian has been on a good run of form over the past month since being reintegrated into the side.

United have just one more game before the international break and it will be tempting for Ralf Rangnick to start Matic against Atletico.

Matic made a team-high three tackles and also made two interceptions, and blocked one shot, helping United to compete with Tottenham before Rangnick made a tactical switch.

It’s tough these days for Matic to play at his best over 90 minutes, let alone twice in a week, but every now and then he steps up to show the quality he once showcased regularly.