- Will Evans was blown away by the pace and skill of Manchester United man Dalot
- He also had something to say about Bruno Fernandes and United’s overall attitude
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A Newport County player has praised Diogo Dalot as a ‘crazy’ opponent to play against – and shared what Bruno Fernandes said to him when his side faced Manchester United last month.
Will Evans was part of the Newport side that hosted United in the fourth round of the FA Cup in January, scoring a goal in a brave 4-2 defeat.
He was impressed by the pace and skill of Dalot, one of United’s less praised players.
Requested by Goalposts TV who impressed him in the game, he said: ‘Dalot. A ball came over my head and it was probably at chest height, and I look at it all the time and I can see it in my mind’s eye.
‘And he just threw it – in the air – back to the ‘keeper.
Will Evans (right) admitted he was impressed by Diogo Dalot when Newport played Man United
‘And I just thought, “What? What chance do I have?”
“And he’s fast, he’s lightning fast. I wasn’t surprised, like you said, you’re not surprised by it, but he was crazy about me.”
Evans also paid tribute to Fernandes’ kindness and the general humility of United’s players.
He said: ‘Obviously we’ve got a few Liverpool fans in our team too, we’re saying we can’t wait to get in Antony or Bruno, and everyone came off the pitch saying exactly the same thing about all of them.
“To say they’re actually the most sincere, well, they’re just regular guys.
‘Bruno, after I scored my goal, I ran back, and he tapped me on the back and said, ‘Good job mate.’
He claimed Dalot was a ‘mad’ player and was instantly impressed by his skill
Evans revealed that Bruno Fernandes complimented him after his goal which brought Newport level
In his post-match interview about Bryn Morris’ strike, he said: “the boy scored a brilliant strike (incredible shot) just before half-time.”
“And you think: he didn’t have to say that.”
Newport’s meeting with United in an elaborate and packed Valley Parade was a testament to the magic of the FA Cup.
Despite being mid-table in League Two, Newport went head-to-head against one of the biggest clubs in the world and remained level until the 68th minute, when United pulled away with an Antony goal.
It was a scary night for United, who threw away a two-goal lead, but they weathered the storm and kept themselves in with a chance of silverware.