Amad Diallo has become the go-to player at Manchester United in the last two months, but what has really made the Ivorian undroppable since Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford?
Who needs Marcus Rashford when we have Amad Diallo tearing defenses and scoring for fun? This is the question that many Manchester United fans were asking at the final whistle of United’s 3-1 comeback win against tail-enders Southampton at Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo had singlehandedly guided United to their first win in five matches and taken the pressure off Ruben Amorim who looked beleaguered at halftime.
The EPL has entered a crucial stage. Title fight is heating up, relegation battle is a looming for most teams and fight for Champions League places gets even tougher.
The 22-year-old hat-trick took just 12 minutes to complete the rout to highlight his importance in Amorim’s new favoured system. But how has the fleet-footed winger transformed his fortunes after previously being overlooked by Ten Hag?
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At the point of Erik ten Hag‘s dismissal on October 28, 2024 Diallo had started 12 games since joining the club from Atalanta in 2021. He had spent 18 months on loan at Rangers and Sunderland and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, there was no obvious likelihood it was going to be extended beyond triggering the option that would mean he wasn’t simply able to walk away for nothing.
Pulse Sports takes a look at factors that have contributed to Amad Diallo’s remarkable turnaround.
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The Red Devils forced Arsenal into a post-match penalty shootout despite playing with 10 men for most of the game to secure a morale-boosting victory in the FA Cup third round.
1. Tactical flexibility
Since the dismissal of the Dutchman, Diallo has enjoyed something of a resurgence under the then interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy and now Amorim.
His versatility has made him the first name on the team sheet and a go-to player for the coach. Whether he is playing as one of the two attackers supporting the striker or moved into a wing-back position – as he was for his late treble – Amad is finding ways to affect the game in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1.
2. Hot streak in front of goal
It’s significant that of Amad’s six league goals this term, two have been winners and three have been equalisers. At either wing-back or inside forward, he is effective, industrious and not afraid to threaten the opponents’ goal, having started 12 games since Ten Hag’s exit.
Diallo has moved Man United closer to the top half of the EPL standings as the team currently is 12th on the log. Amad Diallo has registered six assists this season, taking his total goal contribution to 12 in 19 Premier League matches this season. Currently, Diallo is Man United’s leading goal-scorer.
3. Unique technical attributes
Amad Diallo is a technically-gifted player whose blistering pace and sharp dribbling skills make him the perfect player during counter-attacks.
Diallo is a ball carrier and when he has the ball at his feet, he makes quick decisions. At 22, he is in the right stage to blossom into an attacking force like his compatriot Didier Drogba, who tormented defenses at will during his trophy-laden career at Chelsea.
4. Support from the coach
The appointment of Amorim came in handy for Amad Diallo. Amorim stated in his first press conference that every player was going to start a fresh. Diallo has worked his way in training to earn the trust of the coach who has given the teenager the freedom to express himself on the pitch.
5. New contract
Amad Diallo is viewed as a long-term player in the Manchester United dressing room. Part of why Diallo is doing well is because he recently signed a long-term contract that expires in 2030.
With a pay-rise estimated to be about five-times what he previously used to earn, Diallo looks like a settled player and one ready to revive United’s dwindling fortunes in the Premier League and Europe.
Even though Amad Diallo is not the complete player at this stage of his development, his tremendous potential means that there’s room for improvement. Diallo can become the next big African player in England following the exits of Drogba and Sadio Mane.
