Manchester United came back from a goal down to beat Southampton 3-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
A toothless and uninspiring United went a goal down just before the break as Manuel Ugarte guided the ball into the back of his own net from a corner-kick routine.
The Red Devils struggled to break down Southampton’s stubborn defence for large spells of the second half and it seemed like they were headed for defeat.
However, Amad Diallo had other ideas.
The Ivorian equalised almost on his own as he cut through down the right wing before lashing inside the near post. He struck what appeared to be the winner in the 90th minute before completing his hat-trick in added time to ensure all three points were secured.
After his hat-trick, Amad has become the first United player to achieve the feat since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022.
Amad is the first Manchester United player to score a Premier League hat-trick since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022.
Man Utd’s best player. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6j4ulQ8V1p
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 16, 2025
He has also become the second youngest-ever United player to clinch his first Premier League hat-trick (22 years and 189 days). Only Wayne Rooney has scored a top-flight hat-trick for the club at a younger age.
Amad scored his first Premier League hat-trick at 22y 189d. Only Wayne Rooney has scored a PL hat-trick for Manchester United at a younger age.
United’s present and United’s future. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AwJQlyfe0Q
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 16, 2025
During the time he was on the pitch, Amad managed an individual pass accuracy of 87%.
He touched the ball 89 times, 16 of which were inside the Saints’ box. The 22-year-old fired six shots at Aaron Ramsidale, three of which resulted in goals.
Amad made an impressive eight ball recoveries. He attempted five take-ons, successfully completing four of them. He also created three chances.
Amad’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:
87% pass accuracy
89 total touches
16 touches in the box
8 ball recoveries
6 shots
5 attempted take-ons
4 successful take-ons
3 chances created
3 goalsMake no mistake, Manchester United have a superstar on their hands. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/mkW4YzTeWZ
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 16, 2025
United certainly rode their luck against the Saints but luckily, Amad was on hand to save them.
The result has left the Red Devils in 12th position in the Premier League. The next assignment for Ruben Amorim and his players is a Sunday home meeting with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
