When Manchester United played Everton on Sunday, Erik ten Hag was forced to rely heavily on his younger players; Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, two standouts from the academy, stole the show.
With the Red Devils averaging 1.23 goals per game, it is evident that getting the ball in the net has been a huge problem for United, who for the first time this season won by a score of 3-0.
Amad Diallo, an attacker with “amazing talent” who has only made three Premier League games in his career, is the player who may increase that output, according to Tony Mowbray.
The winger’s preseason knee injury has stalled his growth, but once he’s healthy again, he might have an influence on United similar to that of Garnacho.
The right-wing problems at Man United
As everyone knows, Manchester United is having trouble deciding on a right wing player. The manager has not been impressed by Antony, Jadon Sancho, or Facundo Pellistri. Amad scored thirteen goals in the Championship last season, which is three fewer than the trio’s total of ten goals in the Premier League.
For Sancho and Antony in particular, the 2023–24 season was meant to be a fresh start, but both have missed significant amounts of time, with the former now prohibited from practising with the first team. Ten Hag finally decided to start Marcus Rashford against the Toffees out of position as a result of this.
Diallo was on loan at Sunderland for the previous season, where he significantly improved Mowbray’s team’s performance. Ten Hag thought the Ivorian needed a chance to “be strong physically and mentally.” Fortunately, the winger—who was purchased for £37 million in 2021—performed well in the second division and the loan was approved.
The reasons why Man United needs Amad Diallo
In spite of not being named Player of the Match, Mainoo performed like a seasoned pro against a physically strong Everton squad, exuding confidence and a desire to pick up the pace. Similar in style, Diallo has the ability to take Ten Hag’s team to new heights both within and outside the possession.
First of all, because of the frequent rotation in the right-sided role, partnerships with Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot at right back have not been able to develop. Amad will offer much-needed balance to the United assault.
The 21-year-old’s left footedness aids in his passing angles into central areas, but he also has the potential to go outside, which offers him an unpredictable advantage.
Mowbray refers to Diallo as a “Magician” because of his ability to play quick, one-touch football that may create openings for opponents even though he lacks the lightning speed to easily outrun opponents.
He can hold the width well, but his best position is slightly inverted, which is how he brings out the best in Rasmus Hojlund, who enjoys playing with his back to the goal.
Amad exudes class and a great deal of promise while maintaining composure, much like Mainoo. The fact that he converted three penalties for Sunderland last season shows that he is a responsible player who doesn’t back down from crucial moments in the game—a quality that Manchester United has sorely lacked lately.
