Amad Diallo is proof that progress is not linear.
It’s no secret that Amad has emerged as one of Manchester United’s standout performers this season.
On the surface, the timing is right. Marcus Rashford fell out of favor and similar questions are being asked about the future of Alejandro Garnacho. This means that Amad would always be the standout deputy for posts in the wider areas. However, this opportunity was earned and won the hard way.
Ahead was the match-winning hat-trick against Southampton, goals scored at the Etihad or draws at Anfield, for Amad it was a cold and lonely time in Scotland.
When Amad completed his move to Old Trafford in January 2021, then United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called him “one of the most exciting young prospects in the game”. The 18-year-old had just left Atalanta in a deal worth around £37.2million with all add-ons.
The hefty fee meant it was a deal many turned their noses up at. The move came under further scrutiny when after just nine first-team appearances, Amad was deemed unfit for the rigors of Premier League football.
At the time, United fans caught a glimpse of his trickery when he came off the bench to score a stunning header against AC Milan in the Europa League, but with further game time limited, in January 2022 Amad was loaned to Rangers for the remainder of that season.
Amad’s impact on Rangers was immediate. It took just four minutes for him to score on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Ross County. However, despite the perfect start, the flashes on his debut proved to be his peak. Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Amad played a total of 502 minutes in 13 games, scoring three times in a memorable spell at Ibrox.
A punishing 3-0 defeat against rivals Celtic, with Amad tied at the break, proved to be his last Rangers start for three months. However, he was named in the starting eleven for Rangers’ Scottish FA Cup victory in March of that season. The Gers also made the Europa League final that year, but Amad was an unused substitute for the duration of their season.
Amad played just 502 minutes while on loan at Rangers
Ahead of United’s game against Rangers on Thursday, his former captain James Tarvernier spoke of the ‘learning curve’ that strengthened Amad in Scotland.
“I think (his time in Scotland) would have taught him something. He’s really progressed since then,” Tavernier said when asked to reflect on his time as Amad’s team-mate.
“Obviously you get tested at an old firm or you can go to places where they only have a few fans, so it’s a different learning curve.
Amad started the Scottish FA Cup final
Despite a difficult spell and failure to make an impression during a six-month loan spell, Tavernier believes Amad’s talent spoke for itself.
“I was always convinced (he could reach the level he is at now),” he said.
“He showed really good signs at Rangers, then he was in and out of the team. He had a really great spell at Sunderland on loan and he’s continued that at Man United.
“He’s really showing his talent at the moment so he’s going to be a danger man that we’ll have to be aware of tomorrow because he’s really fit. I can’t wait to play against him.”
Becoming the face of the future at Man Utd
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Watch Amad Diallo’s stylish winner for Manchester United against Manchester City in sensational slow motion
There is very little certainty at Old Trafford, but a turbulent start to Amorim’s tenure at United has not stopped Amad from shining in the shadows. People will point to his form and how he has adapted seamlessly to Amorim’s guidance in a way that his teammates have failed to, but it took time for Amad to carve out a role at United.
His loan spell at Sunderland was a bigger success than his months at Ibrox, but that still hasn’t convinced Erik ten Hag of his talent. Amad returned to United in June 2023, but a knee injury ruled him out for the first six months of the season.
He didn’t really announce himself until United’s emphatic FA Cup quarter-final win against Liverpool, where Amad scored an extra-time winner. United would later win the FA Cup, but Amad played thirty minutes during the semi-final and was an unused substitute in the final.
Amad ranks among the league’s most productive players since November
Amad’s start to this campaign was one he took with his typical enthusiasm. In just four Premier League starts under Ten Hag, he contributed two goals. His performances caused fans to call for more involvement for Amad. Ten Hag’s decision to snub the 22-year-old until his sacking in October is one the Dutchman has come to regret over time.
Amad’s growing role and influence earned him a deal to secure his future at Old Trafford until 2030 with a new contract in January. On the face of it, it looks like Amad has redefined himself at United, but really his progress has taken patience, setbacks and a loan at Rangers.
