As the Manchester United squad aims to impress incoming boss Ruben Amorim, Amad Diallo has made a compelling case for a significant role in the team, netting two goals that halted the club’s frustrating European winless streak.
It had been over a year since United last savoured victory in Europe, a narrow triumph over FC Copenhagen, until Amad’s standout performance against the Greek champions. His first came via a deft looping header, while the second was a splendid individual effort that showcased his skill and determination.
Now 22, Amad has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the team since his €25 million transfer from Atalanta during the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era. His loan spells at Glasgow Rangers and Sunderland indicated a crossroads in his United career, but with Amorim’s arrival, a fresh opportunity is on the horizon.
Amorim, who has nurtured talents like the highly-touted Geovany Quenda, will surely be excited to see what Amad can bring to this new chapter at Old Trafford. The week has been quite significant for United, with Amorim orchestrating a stunning win against Manchester City in his final home match at Sporting Lisbon before stepping into the Premier League spotlight.
While United’s recent displays under caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy have hinted at potential, it was Amad who truly shone, bringing the crowd to life with his second-half contributions that had Van Nistelrooy animated on the sidelines. With this victory, the former striker could conclude his short stint as interim manager without a loss, emulating Michael Carrick’s unbeaten tenure back in 2021.
This result also snapped United’s six-match winless run in European competitions, marking the end of their worst streak since the early 1980s. Previous draws against Twente, Porto, and Fenerbahce had left the club searching for answers as their winless streak stretched back to October 2023.
The ghost of Van Nistelrooy, who once terrorized defenses now prowled the technical area as a reminder of United’s glorious past in European football, where he plundered 38 goals in just 47 appearances. Although he has yet to discuss strategies with Amorim, stating, “Hopefully soon,” the anticipation of the new regime is palpable.
In his programme notes, van Nistelrooy expressed excitement ahead of Amorim’s arrival: “There is a sense of excitement around the club as we prepare to welcome Ruben Amorim as head coach next week. Until then, it will be my continued privilege to manage the team.”
This match against PAOK represented a cup final for the Greek side, buoyed by their title win last season, and their passionate supporters made their presence felt at Old Trafford, renowned for its robust acoustics. However, it was United who struck first, as Amad opened the scoring just five minutes into the second half, showing his instinct and timing after a delightful assist from Bruno Fernandes, looping the ball past the keeper and kissing his badge in celebration.
Despite suffering a knock after his second strike, Amad’s performance has left a resounding impression on Amorim, claiming a well-deserved win for United in Europe this season and helping them climb to 15th place in the 36-team league— a reassuring sight for a squad in search of stability.
This match highlighted both the potential and areas for improvement within the squad. As for Amad, his budding partnership with new arrivals and the possibility of a striking role under Amorim could prove crucial in the months to come. With excitement building, the forthcoming era at Manchester United looks ripe for change.
