When Amad Diallo scored the second goal with a great effort, Man United fans realized that they had a star hidden in the dark for a long time, always waiting for the opportunity to shine.
Under Erik ten Hag, Amad did not have many opportunities to play, but each time he did, he played very energetically. After those times, it is unclear why the Dutch strategist did not continue to give Amad a starting position. Normally, a player of Amad's age (22) would find a new place to continue developing. However, he stayed to wait for the opportunity.
"The second goal shows what he has. Every day after training, he always comes to see me to learn more about finishing, crossing and improving his heading.
Amad always focuses on his work, always learns to become more mature. Amad has a professional lifestyle, always motivated to develop. I am happy to see him like that" - interim captain Ruud van Nistelrooy shared about his student after the victory over PAOK.
Returning to Man United after being loaned to Sunderland, Amad still did not have many opportunities. Then, he was injured and there was speculation that he would leave the "Red Devils" to move to Serie A. After that period, Amad was always reluctantly used by Ten Hag. It was not until Man United lost 0-4 to Crystal Palace that Amad Diallo was able to start. He started in the "Red Devils" last 3 matches of last season, with 1 goal and 1 assist.
That continued into the start of this season when Amad started the first three games. It was not until the third round defeat to Brighton that Amad was relegated to the bench. Since then, he has rarely appeared, even until Ten Hag was sacked.
This is Amad's fifth season at Old Trafford, having been a young talent. He is still in the Under-23s but has never been considered a leader of the group before. Fans have been talking more about Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
If Ruben Amorim sticks to the 3-4-3 against Manchester United, one of Ten Hag's four attacking positions will be replaced. Amad could then play alongside Hojlund in the new formation. Bruno would be behind Hojlund, with Garnacho or Rashford the other. Mason Mount and Antony will still be available, which will give Amorim a headache in choosing when all of them are in poor form.
Looking at the way Amad played against PAOK, it would be a waste if Amorim deployed him far from goal. Amad's classy dribbling will be a formidable weapon that Man United have long lacked.
The biggest obstacle at the moment is that Amad's contract only lasts until June 2025 (with an option to extend for another year). If the two sides do not successfully renew, Amad is free to negotiate with any team from January 2025. Amad is waiting for a signal from Amorim to calculate his future.
"I am very happy to play for this team. I want to stay longer to create a historical chapter" - Amad shared after the win over PAOK.
