Paul Merson compares Diogo Dalot's superb cross for Scott McTominay's match-winning goal to David Beckham as Manchester United leave it late to stun Aston Villa in thrilling clash

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Diogo Dalot’s pinpoint cross onto the head of Scott McTominay, which helped Manchester United defeat Aston Villa, has been described as a ‘David Beckham cross’.

The high praise for the Portuguese full-back came from Paul Merson, who was watching from the Sky Sports studio at Villa Park.

In the 86th minute Kobbie Mainoo fought off the attention of two Villa players in the right-hand corner to flick it out towards Dalot.

The ball was set invitingly for Dalot and he whipped in a stunning cross first-time with speed, right onto the head of McTominay to nod in to seal a 2-1 win in what is a major boost to United’s top four hopes.

‘That’s a David Beckham cross,’ Merson said. ‘That’s a David Beckham cross… you’ve just got to get on the end of it.’

Diogo Dalot delivered the crucial cross to help send Manchester United to victory on Sunday, , with his delivery likened to David Beckham (right) when he was in his heyday at United

Dalot’s whipped in ball was in stride for Scott McTominay to head into the back of the net

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In his heyday, Beckham was considered one of the finest wingers of his generation and during his time at United much of the attacking focus came from balls whipped in from out wide.

And so comparisons to Beckham, who went on to play for the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, is not to be dismissed lightly.

Dalot has come in for plenty of criticism this season but this was a positive display following a positive few weeks.

For Erik ten Hag, he has never doubted his right back’s qualities.

‘Everyone gets criticism but he is a fantastic player who is developing very well,’ the Dutchman told Match of the Day 2.

‘He can play in so many positions and he is improving on crosses. He can score and his defending is improving so I am very pleased with him.’

United boss Erik ten Hag (middle) was full of praise for the Portuguese right back afterwards

Villa looked to target down United’s right side, using Jacob Ramsey to cause a headache for Dalot.

While Villa had some joy, Dalot did well to try and nullify, before going on to make the decisive contribution at the other end.

He finished the match at Villa Park with a 73 per cent pass accuracy, while completing 19/26 passes, two of which were determined as ‘key passes’.

‘It was an unbelievable cross to be fair, whipped with a lot of pace,’ McTominay said of Dalot’s assist.

‘I just needed it to hit my head and get it on target. Full credit to the boys, we created a lot of good chances which may go unnoticed.’

Victory was key for United as it means they have now closed the gap on fifth-placed Aston Villa to just five points, with a fourth straight win giving them all the momentum in the race for the top four.