Even though Ruben Amorim’s early Premier League record at Manchester United was far from fantastic, Red Devils’ fans have still seen some glimpses of promise. With a clearly defined style of play, coupled with positive recent results, there should be brighter times ahead.
This season, bookmakers listed by review site Legalbet.uk, have seen United fail to fulfil pre-match favouritism, but have also recently witnessed them defy underdog odds for positive results like a league draw with Liverpool and victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Everyone who’s part of the new United project has to be on the same page, willing to put in the hard work and adapt to what is being asked of them tactically by Amorim. If there’s been one shining example of just that, it’s been Amad Diallo. With an excellent work ethic and an eye for a spectacular goal, Diallo could be key to Manchester United’s forward progress.
Long-Term Commitment
Diallo moved to the Red Devils back in 2021 from Serie A club Atalanta. After loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland, the Ivorian has become a staple in the United squad. After signing a contract extension at the club until 2030, the young attacker is very much part of the club’s future.
In a season of mediocrity, he has stood out from the crowd with his fearless ability to make things happen out of nothing. Much like Cole Palmer at Chelsea and Bukayo Saka at Arsenal, Diallo is a fantastic young player that an entire team could be built around.
Attacking Ability

There are few better sights in football than seeing a direct attacking player run and defenders and terrorise them. That’s exactly what Amad does, but he does it with calculated precision by reacting to what defenders are doing.
It’s not just a full-paced blitz as he adjusts to a defender’s positioning and waits for the right opportunity to go past. To help with that, he has a low centre of gravity, which allows him to quickly exploit any mistakes and gaps.
His raw speed also allows him to execute simpler moves like knocking the ball past a defender and simply outpacing an opponent to recover it first. A lot of Amad’s stand-out moments have been in one-on-one situations when he drives at teams from out wide.
All-Around Package?
Modern-day wingers have to have a finishing end product in front of goal as well. Amad’s shot selection and rash pot shots at goal have been one of the weaker areas of his game, but is something that can be worked on.
But the fact that the youngster has been getting plenty of touches in the opposition penalty areas this season, and has chipped in with important goals, is a huge positive for United. His chance creation stats have been good, and his forward-thinking approach has seen him prefer passes that progress the game forward rather than take it backwards or sideward.
Efforts at the Back
There have been many grumblings from Old Trafford in the last few seasons about players not willing to track back and work defensively. Fortunately, Amad has been a breath of fresh air in this area as well.
Wide players contributing defensively is crucial to the 3-4-3 formation that Ruben Amorin plays, and Diallo has had experience with it during his time with Atalanta. So, whereas others are having to learn new roles, it’s little surprise to see Amad making an impact this season.
Important Set-Up
While United has not been strong down the right-hand side for some time now, Amad has taken his chance to make the spot his own. The challenge for him now will be to solidify that, and not get complacent with there being no one with the same skill sets at the club to even challenge him for a starting role.
Amad is in the side to make dynamic, progressive carries into the opposition’s penalty box from the right. It’s something that is direct and can cause chaos among defences and it’s been a long time since United has seen that.
The Future? Yes.
Amad Diallo looks to be the complete package, with ability, control and awareness of the game allowing him to make a huge impact. Shot selection has to be improved, but that’s a small niggle against a player who has looked head and shoulders above the rest of the current attacking crop at United.
It’s not only his prospects that are exciting, but the fact that he is part of a system that will get the best out of him means that everything is in place for him to project his career through the stratosphere.