The Premier League 2024/25 season saw Manchester United record their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era at 15th place. The season went from bad to worse, as the Red Devils crumbled in their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The only player, bar captain Bruno Fernandes, who can hold his head high, is Amad Diallo.
Background
The 23-year-old winger from the Ivory Coast signed for the Red Devils under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. He signed as an 18-year-old from Atalanta before the 2020/21 season for £37.2m. The huge price tag to his name was indicative of the player’s ability. However, a lack of trust from managers Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik Ten Hag saw him move on loan to Rangers and Sunderland. It wasn’t until Ruben Amorim’s appointment that the winger was provided with opportunities to prove his worth.
Player Profile
- Nationality: Cote d’Ivoire
- Clubs Played For: Atalanta BC, Manchester United, Rangers, Sunderland
- Strong Foot: Left
- Position: Right Winger, Right Wing-back
The 2024/25 Performance
- Appearances: 43
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 8
Amad Diallo was handed a spot in the starting XI in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge. He started the game at right wing-back. The first time the player played in this position in his career. Talent shines in every situation. It took Amad only 2 minutes to prove his place in Amorim’s team, as he surged down the right flank before assisting Marcus Rashford’s opener against Ipswich Town.
Amad quickly went from a benchwarmer to one of the first names on Manchester United’s team sheet. Amad has a range of talents that allow him to play in multiple positions in Amorim’s system. He can be deployed as a right No. 10 or as a right wing-back, and he has shown quality while playing both of these positions. He offers exceptional dribbling as well as good off-the-ball movement. His work out of possession is excellent as well, as he regularly contributes to starting the press.
Amad Diallo suffered ankle ligament damage in the buildup to the side’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur in early February. He missed 15 crucial games for Manchester United. He was initially set to miss the entire season for the Red Devils, which left the fans heartbroken. After recovering ahead of schedule, he made his return in a 4-3 loss to Brentford, where he still managed to pick up a goal off the bench.
Most Memorable Performances of The Season
Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United
Manchester United staged a late comeback against rivals Manchester City thanks to Amad’s heroics. The Red Devils were trailing until the 88th minute when Bruno Fernandes slotted home a penalty.
The penalty was won by Amad after he pounced on a loose pass from Matheus Nunes, who also conceded the penalty. Two minutes later, Amad showcased his magic yet again. Lisandro Martinez’s ball over the top found Amad, who took a magnificent first touch before scoring past Ederson from a tight angle.
Manchester United 3-1 Southampton
The struggling Manchester United were set to face off against bottom-placed Southampton, who had just 1 win in 20 matches. Manchester United found themselves 1-0 down at half-time after a woeful performance.
Amad Diallo cooked up a performance that saved them from embarrassment. His 12-minute hat-trick helped Manchester United make a late comeback and secure the 3 points.
What Can Be Expected From Amad?
Manchester United have added strength to their forward line before entering the 2025/26 season. They’ve already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their side, with a striker also likely on the way. Ruben Amorim is likely to deploy Cunha and Mbeumo as his two No. 10s, meaning Amad is unlikely to play as the right No. 10.
The Ivorian is too talented to be omitted from the team sheet. We will most likely see him cement the right wing-back position as his own and could also rotate with Mbeumo as the right-sided No. 10. An attacking frontline of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, a new striker, and Amad should definitely get the fans off their seats.
Written by: Ritvik
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