On a day when the defense played poorly, Manchester United had to sadly stop in the League Cup quarter-finals, losing 3-4 to Tottenham Hotspur. However, Amad Diallo was still a rare bright spot in attack with a goal to reduce the score in the 70th minute. This was his 10th contribution (4 goals and 6 assists) after the last 10 matches - a better performance than any M.U player in this period.
Just at the beginning of January this year, Amad Diallo was almost forced to leave Man United to move to Sunderland on loan. Now, he has unexpectedly become the most prominent player under Ruben Amorim, taking the starting position from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. Opta Analyst even described the Ivorian striker as representing the new era of Ruben Amorim at Man United.
So how has Amad Diallo changed since Ruben Amorim's arrival? Since joining Man United, the striker born in 2002's biggest mark was the goal that sealed the 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup. The Ivorian continued to be given the opportunity to play in the following matches but also gradually had to get used to the bench for the rest of the season.
According to statistics, from the match against Liverpool in the FA Cup last season until the end of Ten Hag's reign, Amad played 946 minutes in all competitions. This number is significantly lower than the playing time of Rashford (1,422 minutes) or Garnacho (1,820 minutes). This shows that both are more trusted to use than the Ivorian striker.
However, things have changed since Amorim took over. Both Rashford (307 minutes) and Garnacho (327 minutes) have played fewer minutes than Amad (524 minutes). The Portuguese strategist even decided to drop the duo right before the Manchester Derby in the Premier League round of 16. This decision was based on many factors, including performance in matches and training sessions.
Opta Analyst describes that Amad Diallo has not only improved in a short period of time, but also shows enthusiasm and fiery spirit every time he is given the opportunity. Whether he is arranged to play as a full-back, or any position on the field, the Ivorian player always shows reliability in every decision on the field. Not only that, even when he does not have the ball, Amad actively applies pressure and is ready to retreat to defend. This is an aspect that both Rashford and Garnacho need to learn from their junior.
Physically, Amad is rarely outclassed in one-on-one situations, thanks to his agility and great physical foundation. Although he is often deployed as a full-back, the Ivorian still averages 7.1 interceptions per 90 minutes in the middle and final third (applying pressure within 2 seconds of the opponent gaining possession). Of the Man United players who have played at least 250 minutes this season, only Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Bruno Fernandes have better stats than Amad Diallo.
Not only that, the player born in 2002 is also highly appreciated for his ability to handle the ball well in narrow spaces. According to statistics, Amad Diallo successfully passes the ball 81.2% when under pressure from the opposing defender. This rate ranks 4th among wingers or midfielders who have played at least 500 minutes in the Premier League this season.
In addition to his defensive work, Amad Diallo is also active in penetrating and dribbling in the penalty area.According to statistics, only Mohamed Salah (20 times) has made more dribbles in the opponent's penalty area than Amad Diallo (14 times) this season.This is clear evidence of why the Ivorian player has been involved in the most goals at Man United (2 goals, 5 assists).In the Premier League alone this season, Amad Diallo has been involved in a goal every 111 minutes.This rate is superior to every Man United player and is only behind Bruno Fernandes (149 minutes).
In terms of parameters, the former Atalanta player is one of the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League this season, despite only making 9 appearances.If he continues to maintain his current impressive form, Amad Diallo will certainly be an important factor in the Ruben Amorim era at Man United.
