Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Manchester United initially had reservations about the signing of Amad Diallo, doubting whether the Ivorian winger was “good enough” for the Premier League.
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Diallo joined United from Atalanta in late 2021 in a deal worth up to £37 million, but the then-teenager faced skepticism from those within the club who questioned his physicality and impact.
After an underwhelming start to his Old Trafford career, Diallo was loaned out to Rangers in January 2022 and later to Sunderland, where he thrived.
A season in the Championship transformed Diallo, helping him grow in confidence and sharpen his game.
Now, under new manager Ruben Amorim, Diallo has emerged as a vital player. His dramatic contribution in the Manchester derby—winning a penalty and scoring a stoppage-time winner—proved his ability to thrive under pressure.
Reflecting on Diallo’s journey, Ferdinand praised his resilience and growth:
“More than the goal, I love the character of this kid,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel.
“When he first came, people inside and outside the club thought, ‘He’s too small, too lightweight, not powerful enough for this league.’
“But he’s turned all that around. He used those doubts as fuel, worked hard during his loan spells, and now he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
His performances show his massive heart and incredible will to succeed. He’s a proper footballer.”
Diallo, now 21, credits Amorim’s demanding system for his recent form. Following the derby win, Diallo expressed his joy:
“I’m feeling very good. Winning against City, one of the best teams in the world, is amazing.
We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but this is a derby, and we had to be angrier than them. We pressed hard, and it worked.”
The winger also described his goals, highlighting his quick thinking to win the penalty and his sharp finishing for the late winner:
“I didn’t believe in the ball at first because it was moving so quickly, but I touched it and scored. Scoring against City was a great feeling.”
Despite Diallo’s brilliance, Manchester United remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Their focus now turns to a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Tottenham before a critical league match against in-form Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
For Diallo, the Manchester derby was not only a career-defining moment but also proof of his transformation into a pivotal figure for United.
