Manchester United’s Amad Diallo stole the show as he played a crucial role in his side finally kickstarting their Europa League campaign with a win.
The Ivorian was a bright spark in the first half and then the decisive factor in the second, scoring two very different but equally important goals.
The first was a wonderful looping header while the second highlighted everything he did well on the night.
He won the ball back from the PAOK left back with excellent pressing, showed strength to hold off the defender and then curled a delicious finish into the bottom corner to give his side some breathing space.
After the game, interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy heaped praise on him, claiming “he’s a great character, a hard worker, he shows it in every training session.”
With the Ivory Coast international failing to start in the last month, he put in a timely reminder as to why he is so adored by the Old Trafford crowd.
Statman Dave highlighted that “Amad has started just 7 games for Manchester United this season. In those 7 games, he has scored 3 and registered an assist. One hundred percent of his goal involvements this term have come as a starter.”
Amad has started just 7 games for Manchester United this season. In those 7 games, he has scored 3 and registered an assist. 100% of his goal involvements this term have come as a starter.
Earned a real run in the side. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/XX4jaBZf3b
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2024
This demonstrates that he is at his most dangerous when given the chance to shine over a longer period of time and he will hope he has earned another shot at 90 minutes in Van Nistelrooy’s last game in charge versus Leicester City.
In addition, Amad’s production soars when he is given the chance to play for the majority of the match.
On the three occasions he has played over 90 minutes, against Brighton and Hove Albion, Southampton and PAOK, he has provided three goals and an assist.
Amad has played over 80 minutes on three occasions this season:
90 minutes vs. Brighton — ⚽️
90 minutes vs. Southampton — 🅰️
81 minutes vs. PAOK — ⚽️⚽️Let him cook. 🍽️🍽️🍽️ pic.twitter.com/20vzOwaMM8
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2024
With his two strikes on the night, “Amad has doubled his goal involvements for this season in yesterday’s game, scoring his first brace for Manchester United.”
Amad has doubled his goal involvements for this season in todays game, scoring his first brace for Manchester United.
Taking his chance as we knew he would. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YkGgxcez2B
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2024
It means he now has three goals and one assist in 15 matches this season in all competitions.
Diallo will be hoping that incoming coach Ruben Amorim will be paying close attention from afar and reward him with greater chances that were sorely lacking under the previous coach, Erik ten Hag.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
