Erik ten Hag has laid out a challenge for Manchester United winger Amad Diallo ahead of the new season.
The United manager has called upon his Ivorian attacker to step up to the plate this season following his impressive 45-minute display against Rangers in pre-season.
It wasn’t any old pre-season friendly for Amad. Today he was granted a chance to show his worth to a club where he has unhappy memories.
Amad spent a year on loan at Rangers in 2022 but he turned things around the following season at Sunderland. Now, he needs to make the grade at United.
The Ivory Coast international opened the scoring for United in the 39th minute, after cutting in from the right flank, before hitting a strike that left Jack Butland looking hopeless between the sticks.
Amad performed strongly in the opening 45 minutes before being substituted off – along with nine of his team-mates.
Ten Hag was pleased with how Amad performed but was quick to remind the talented winger he must step up this coming season.
Speaking to MUTV after the match, Ten Hag said (via The Express): “We have to see Amad in a different way. Of course, he is still young, but he is not inexperienced anymore.
“Last season, he had bad times with bad injuries, before that he was in the Championship, he had a great season, in the end of last season, he had a very good time with our first team. Played some very good games, now this season, this has to be the year.
“It is great that he starts like this, on Monday he could not play, he was not allowed to go into Norway but today he could play and he played a very good game.”
a real pleasure to have played against Rangers, I had a good time there, I wish them the best for the coming season🤲🏾
❤️❤️thanks to the UTD fan for the support❤️😘 pic.twitter.com/UQfO0tbVfB
— Amad🇨🇮 (@Amaddiallo_19) July 20, 2024
It’s clear from Ten Hag’s comments that Amad will get plenty of opportunities on tour. I just hope Antony doesn’t start ahead of him next season.
Amad made nine Premier League appearances last season.
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Not allowed to go into Norway?