Man United: a last chance for Amad Diallo under Amorim?

Still not a guaranteed starter at Manchester United, Amad Diallo could step up a level with the arrival of the new manager, Ruben Amorim, who was confirmed on Friday as the replacement for the Dutchman Erik ten Hag. But the Ivorian has everything to prove to the new boss.

A start to the season that contrasts with his pre-season

During pre-season, Amad Diallo, who was returning from injury, showed an impressive level, raising hopes of a thunderous comeback to power up the Red Devils' attack during the 2024-2025 season. He even sent a message at a press conference to his manager, Erik ten Hag, about his playing time.

“The manager believes in young players. He brought in Garnacho two years ago and gave him a lot of playing time. He brought in Kobbie [Mainoo] last season and gave him playing time. I hope that this season he can give me a lot of playing time,” the 22-year-old Ivorian winger said in late July.

Also read: AFCON 2025 (Q): Ivory Coast lose Amad Diallo

The Dutch coach took the message on board and started him in the first three games of the season (the Community Shield final and 2 in the Premier League). But Amad Diallo never really made an impact and lost his place in the Red Devils' XI at the start of September to the Argentine Alejandro Garnacho, who is more decisive. Garnacho has 6 goals and 4 assists in 15 games (7 starts) in all competitions this season, against 1 goal and one assist in 13 games (7 starts) for Diallo, who lost Ten Hag's confidence.

Amad Diallo: the breakthrough under Ruben Amorim?

In any team, the arrival of a new manager always brings fresh energy to the players. At Manchester United it is even more the case, given the heavy atmosphere of recent seasons under Erik ten Hag. Ruben Amorim, who will arrive on 11 November according to the Man United statement, is known for his ability to get the best out of young players, as he did at Sporting Lisbon, where he had a squad with an average age of 24.5.

A very young coach, the Portuguese will bring fresh ideas and a different approach, both tactically and in man-management. A catalyst that Amad Diallo may have been lacking under Erik ten Hag. The Ivory Coast international now also needs to rediscover his confidence in front of goal, starting in training sessions, to win his place in the Red Devils' XI. Otherwise he risks being pushed towards the exit, with a little over six months left on his contract (June 2025).