Amad Diallo is adamant that he is prepared to take the pitch and lead Manchester United in scoring.
Amad Diallo grabbed a unique opportunity to make an impression during United’s exciting 3-2 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday by scoring a rocket strike. Just two months prior, he had scored the game-winning goal in the 121st minute to help United defeat fierce rivals Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
After returning from a season-long loan at Championship side Sunderland, Amad Diallo has had to wait patiently to make his breakthrough at United. He was out of action from August until December due to a knee injury, and he didn’t play for United for more than two years until coming in as a substitute in a 2-1 loss at Nottingham Forest.
Erik ten Hag, the United manager, declined to start Amad in favour of using him off the bench despite the unsatisfactory performances of fellow wingers Marcus Rashford and Antony.
However, following his long-overdue start against Arsenal on Sunday, 21-year-old Amad maintained his spot for the Magpies’ visit to Old Trafford and shone, scoring and providing an assist.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Rashford and Antony’s futures, Amad, an international player from Ivory Coast, thinks he can establish himself as a regular starter for United.
Amad, who signed a contract worth up to £37 million to join United from Atalanta in January 2021, stated that “as a player, you need to be patient.” Every time you work hard in the gym but don’t achieve your goals, it’s not easy.
“I was working diligently every day, waiting for my opportunity, and I’m thrilled that I finally got both my chance and my score. I proceed step by step. I am aware that my lack of playing this year did not make it simple for me. The most crucial thing was to proceed cautiously, but you also fought for and supported the squad when you had the opportunity.”
Both on and off the pitch, Amad has developed close bonds with other United youth players Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his football policy team as part-owners, the three players, who are between the ages of 19 and 21, might eventually form the foundation of a new United club.
And Amad acknowledged that he is excited about the opportunity to improve his skills at Old Trafford with the other budding talents. We attempt to play together during training to create that combination on the training pitch’, Amad stated.
“We aim to do the same things in training that we do when we play together, like we did against Newcastle. We’re young players who are driven to succeed here, and I hope we can keep doing so.
“Having Kobbie on the team is crucial. He’s a talented player, and I get along well with him and Garnacho off the pitch as well. We enjoy playing together.