Kolkata: In early 2023, it had been more than two years since Amad Diallo played for Manchester United. He finally got back on the field on December 30 in a match against Nottingham Forest, but the team lost 1-2. By January, news was out that Diallo wanted to leave the club.
However, after his remarkable performance in the Manchester derby, where many called it the “Diallo Derby” because he scored the winning goal and earned a penalty, it’s clear that Manchester United doesn’t want to let him go. In the days before the derby, Diallo had helped create five out of United’s six goals. In just the past two months, he contributed to eight goals. In the derby against Manchester City, only one other player, Bruno Fernandes, matched his six important plays. Diallo even touched the ball ten times in the City penalty area—a feat not seen at that stadium since 2017.
Fernandes praised Diallo, saying, “When he’s like this, he’s unstoppable. I think there’s still a lot more to come.” Diallo is also great at winning the ball back, with a high number of successful pressures in the game. His passing accuracy, with a defender close by, ranks him fourth in the Premier League among wingers.
Despite a rough patch under previous coach Erik Ten Hag, who left in late October, Diallo has shown he can play in multiple positions. Diallo had less playing time compared to others, but once Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ruben Amorim took over as coaches, his role began to grow.
After a strong start, Diallo contributed greatly, assisting a goal against Everton and showing great skills on the field. Under Amorim, who has praised Diallo’s ability, he has played more than others like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho recently.
Against Manchester City, Diallo played a creative role similar to a No.10, sprinting more than anyone else in the match. He also made crucial interceptions and scored the winning goal with a clever move. Fernandes noted, “He’s always alert, and that’s why he gets penalties and goals.”
While Rashford and Garnacho have had more overall goals this season, Diallo’s ability to create plays could lead to more opportunities for him in the next few matches.
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