Amad Diallo emerges as the crown jewel under Amorim at Manchester United.
Much of the attention on those in red at the Etihad Stadium last Sunday focused on the absence of two wingers, until Amad Diallo capitalized on Matheus Nunes’s poor back-pass to win a penalty and later secure a dramatic last-minute winner. The Ivorian stood out as Manchester United’s key attacking threat in an otherwise lackluster derby, continuing to thrive under Ruben Amorim while others faded into obscurity.
With Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho relegated to spectator roles, now trailing Antony in the pecking order, Diallo seized his opportunity. Amorim’s constant adjustments and rotations to find the ideal fit for each role have not affected Diallo, who is making himself nearly indispensable. He is set to start again against Bournemouth on Sunday, aiming to build on his tally of two league goals and six assists this season.
The 22-year-old is nearing his fourth year at Manchester United, having joined in January 2021 for £18.7m from Atalanta. He quickly showcased his potential by scoring twice for the under-23s in a 6-3 victory over Liverpool in his debut appearance. “He had only trained with us for a couple of days,” recalls Neil Wood, United’s former under-23s head coach. “You could tell he was very young but had immense quality—technically gifted with excellent football intelligence. He stood out immediately, and the team naturally looked to him. He elevated the level and set higher standards, which is exactly what you want from a player like that.”
Amad was given early chances under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, scoring in his third game for the club against Milan in the Europa League. However, with Solskjær’s departure, his opportunities became limited, prompting loan spells at Rangers and later Sunderland. While his stint at Ibrox served as a learning experience, his time at Sunderland marked his breakthrough. Leading an unexpected promotion charge, he helped the Black Cats reach the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, scoring 14 goals in 39 Championship appearances for a youthful side that exceeded expectations.
Erik ten Hag saw the need for a left-footed winger capable of cutting in from the right but he decided Antony was the answer, blocking Diallo’s path. He was used sparingly and never seemed to convince the Dutchman that he could be the answer to United’s many problems. Noussair Mazraoui was used as a No 10 at Fenerbahce in one of Ten Hag’s final games and Diogo Dalot would be given a role on the right of midfield, but Diallo would maintain his own high standards.
“His attitude was exceptional,” says Neil Wood. “He trained with the first team but didn’t approach sessions with us any differently. Being new to the club, in a foreign country, and learning a new language, he had many challenges to overcome, but his quality was undeniable.”
Ruben Amorim emphasizes training with match intensity, and Diallo’s consistent enthusiasm has set an example for teammates hoping to earn more minutes. Under Amorim, Diallo has become the fourth most-used outfield player, trailing only fellow Portuguese players Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, and Noussair Mazraoui. While Amorim is naturally familiar with his compatriots, he is learning more about the rest of the squad and has clearly been impressed by Diallo’s work ethic. This was particularly evident in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham, where Diallo’s relentless pressing resulted in a goal after he chased down Fraser Forster.
Diallo’s versatility has also been a key asset. He has played as a right wing-back, taken on advanced roles, and demonstrated an ability to adapt to Amorim’s tactical demands. Against Manchester City, he maintained focus and capitalized on their lapses, delivering a performance that hinted at a turning point in his career.
Amorim, like Wood before him, recognizes the spark and adaptability that make Diallo a special talent. “I remember saying at the time, he had a high level of quality, but we needed to be patient because it wasn’t going to be easy for him,” Wood recalls. That patience from both Diallo and Manchester United is now beginning to pay dividends.
