Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand insists that Amad Diallo should always start for Ruben Amorim’s team.
The young Ivorian was one of the club’s most impactful players last season, at least before suffering a serious injury in February. He was able to make large strides following Amorim’s arrival, and was hailed by his club captain, Bruno Fernandes, as ‘unstoppable’ following his late heroics against Man City in December.
However, the 22-year-old was omitted from the starting lineup on the opening day of the season against Arsenal. The manager opted to start Man Utd’s two signings, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, up front, joined by Mason Mount.
Man United deserved more against Arsenal
Before the kickoff, the Gunners were the odds-on favourites to prevail at Old Trafford according to the most reliable bookmakers, including the ones you can find on the best online casinos in Malta, which are all licensed by the local authorities.
Although Mikel Arteta’s side eventually prevailed thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s tap-in in the 13th minute, most fans and observers agree that Man Utd didn’t deserve to go out empty-handed.
The Red Devils launched several onslaughts on David Raya’s goal, but the Spanish goalkeeper was superb between the sticks, while Amorim’s men lacked precision on some occasions.
For his part, Ferdinand insists that Amad should have been in the lineup from the get-go. The Ivorian only entered the pitch in the second half, replacing Diogo Dalot in the right wingback role.
While many feel that the former Atalanta star is ill-suited for this role, the legendary defender explains why he’s capable of making the difference, even when starting from a deeper role.
“Amad came on second half and I think he did enough to show that against any team that you feel you’re going to dominate possession, he has to play,” said the former England international on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents.
“I think he’ll even be sitting there, Amad, saying: ‘Play me against anybody, because I’ll get our team higher up the pitch and I can beat people.”
Ferdinand keen to see Amad Diallo in the starting lineup
During the contest, Gary Neville felt that Amad and Mbeumo were stepping on each other’s toes, as they both tend to receive the ball on the right and cut to the centre.
Nevertheless, Ferdinand is still adamant that the Ivorian should be in the lineup, regardless of his playing position.
“The way that Amorim plays you need people that are going to beat people with the ball or run beyond people and Amad can do both. It’s just, can he do it from a right wing-back position? If Man Utd do get pinned back at any time he’s playing, is he able to defend and cope defensively? They’re the question marks we’ve got.
“But if you set out to dominate the game possession-wise, Amad is an absolute must in this team. Whether it’s right wing-back or right wing, I think he has to play.”
