He didn’t give me much playing time and thought I was not good but now I proved him wrong – Amad Diallo
Diallo was the star of the show at Old Trafford as United recorded a much-needed win
Amad Diall
Amad Diallo admitted he had been “unlucky” not to play more at Manchester United after making the most of his opportunity tonight with a brace in a 2-0 win over PAOK.
The Ivory Coast winger has started just four league games this season with the now sacked Erik ten Hag preferring other options down the right.
Ten Hag’s judgement looked distinctly flawed as Amad turned in a virtuoso display to help United to a first win in the Europa League this season, their first in continental competition in over a year and a second under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The former Sunderland loanee told TNT Sports: “It’s been a long time since we won in Europe. Today we showed why we are one of the best teams. It was important to win today.
“It is important to score every time. This season I have been unlucky so I am happy to score two today. But the most important thing was to win.
“I like to celebrate with the fans and make people happy.”
Ruud praises Amad
Van Nistelrooy singled out Amad for praise afterwards, saying: “He made a difference today, because of his goals but he was very sharp. Well done to him, good game.
“He has been incredible in training, he always trains well and is asking me to do more.”
United laboured in the first half with PAOK carrying the greater threat. The Greeks ought to have levelled at 1-1 in the second half as well but Tarik Tissoudali wasted a gilt-edged chance just after the hour mark.
‘A pretty poor first half’
Van Nistelrooy added: ”It was a pretty poor first half if I’m being nice. The second half way was better. That was clear.
“I said to the lads before the game that it was a year ago since the last European win at Old Trafford. We couldn’t believe it. It was time to turn it around, build and change. It’s a big period at the club.
“For me it was important to get results. I can only be happy with the performance that the players put in.”
Fans are adamant one player has to start after his Europa League performance.
Man Utd fans name undroppable player once Ruben Amorim takes over after PAOK masterclass
Manchester United fans are convinced one player has to start when Ruben Amorim joins the club after his standout performance against PAOK.
On Thursday night, United welcomed Greek club PAOK to Old Trafford for their fourth Europa League match of the current campaign.
Two goals in the second half sealed the three points for the Red Devils and earned them their first win in the competition this season.
And following the match, United fans have taken to social media to demand that one player has to start when new manager Amorim joins the club.
For the European clash, youngster Amad Diallo was handed a rare start and he made the most of the opportunity as he scored both goals scored for United, taking home the player of the match award.
Immediately after the match, fans took to social media to praise the winger and demand that Amorim includes him in the starting lineup once he takes charge of United.
Speaking about Amad’s performance on social media, one fan wrote: “Funny what happens when you start Amad! Been very bright tonight and deserves his goal. Brilliant finish. Should be locked in the XI under Amorim.”
Another agreed, adding: “Somewhere out there Amorim is watching this Amad performance. We actually won.”
While one other wrote: “Amad Diallo what a goal and what a performance today. Criminal that Ten Hag dropped him for a full month, with Antony being chosen off the bench.
“The determination, the movement, the finish that goal was all Amad. Fantastic display from Amad.
“He will cook under Amorim.”
Amad Diallo was the star of the evening during Manchester United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League. (Image: Getty)
Amad Diallo was the star of the evening during Manchester United’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League. (Image: Getty)
Prior to the match, Amad had been handed 14 appearances this season, with just four of them as part of the starting lineup.
In this time, he scored only one goal and assisted another, leading to Ten Hag losing faith in the 22-year-old.
But his performance on Thursday will undoubtedly put him firmly in the thoughts of Amorim, who will join United from Portuguese club Sporting CP on Monday, following his former side’s 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League.
The win takes United to 15th out of 36 teams in the Europa League table, just three points behind the top eight teams that automatically progress to the next round.
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