Amad Diallo is finally making waves at Manchester United, emerging as a key player under new manager Ruben Amorim.
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The 22-year-old Ivorian has recently impressed with standout performances, particularly in the Manchester derby, where he secured a dramatic late victory for the Red Devils. His rise marks a stark contrast to his time under Erik ten Hag, where opportunities were scarce.
During the 2022/23 season, Diallo was loaned to Sunderland, and upon his return, he made just three Premier League starts.
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy shed light on why Diallo was overlooked, citing fierce competition in the forward line. McCarthy revealed that Antony, who joined United from Ajax for an initial £82 million, was Ten Hag’s preferred choice.
“Tactically, the manager trusted Antony because he was familiar with him from Ajax and believed he fit the system better,” McCarthy explained during an appearance on the Podcast and Chill Network. “The club had invested heavily in him, so it made sense for Ten Hag to persist with Antony.
Alongside him, players like [Alejandro] Garnacho, [Marcus] Rashford, and [Rasmus] Hojlund, who cost £70 million, also had to feature regularly. Unfortunately, that left limited space for Amad.”
However, things changed when Amorim arrived. The Portuguese manager quickly recognized Diallo’s potential, praising him for his work ethic and adaptability.
After his debut under Amorim—a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town—the manager lauded Diallo’s defensive improvement. “He was very focused, man-marking perfectly. His effort was outstanding,” Amorim noted.
Despite Diallo’s recent heroics, Amorim has urged patience. “He’s versatile and humble, but we need to be cautious. At this club, we often elevate young players too quickly. Let’s remain calm with Amad,” the manager said after the derby win.
With Diallo now cementing his place in the starting XI, his transformation under Amorim could be a turning point for both the player and a struggling Manchester United side.
