Amad Diallo has emerged as a standout performer for Manchester United under new head coach Ruben Amorim, particularly in the recent 1-0 win against Manchester City. The Ivorian winger played a pivotal role, intercepting a poor back-pass from Matheus Nunes to win a penalty before scoring a last-minute winner. While other wingers like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho sat on the sidelines, Diallo seized the opportunity to shine and solidified his place in the team.
At just 22 years old, Diallo has made himself indispensable, with two league goals and six assists to his name this season. His performances have earned him a guaranteed start against Bournemouth on Sunday, as he continues to impress with his technical ability and football intelligence.
Diallo’s journey at Manchester United began in January 2021 when he joined for £18.7 million from Atalanta. He quickly caught the eye, scoring twice for the under-23s in a 6-3 win over Liverpool in his debut. Neil Wood, United’s former under-23s head coach, recalls how Diallo immediately stood out, raising the level of those around him and quickly earning the respect of his teammates.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Diallo scored in his third game for the club in the Europa League, but his opportunities diminished after Solskjær’s departure. Loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland followed, with his time at Sunderland proving crucial in his development. Diallo played a key role in Sunderland’s surprise promotion push, scoring 14 goals in 39 Championship appearances during the 2022-23 season.
Although Erik ten Hag initially blocked Diallo’s path by bringing in Antony as the club’s primary right-wing option, Diallo maintained high standards during his limited appearances. Wood widely praised his work ethic and attitude, highlighting his professionalism even while training with the first team.
Now, under Amorim, Diallo has flourished. The Portuguese coach values hard work and has shown trust in Diallo, making him the fourth most-used outfield player in the squad, behind Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Noussair Mazraoui. Diallo’s versatility has also been on display, as he has been deployed in various roles, including right-wing back, and has impressed in more advanced positions, such as in the Manchester derby. His adaptability and commitment are making him a key figure in Amorim’s system.
As Diallo continues to make a significant impact, his patience and development at United are finally paying off, and the club is now realizing the potential seen in him since his early days.
