Amad Diallo has quickly become a key player under Manchester United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, following a period of underuse under former manager Erik ten Hag. Since Amorim’s arrival, Diallo has played a prominent role, starting both league games and featuring in the Europa League win. Amorim’s tactical shift has also benefited Diallo, with the 22-year-old being deployed at right wing-back, a position that has allowed him to thrive. This tactical move aligns with Amorim’s approach during his time at Sporting, where wing-backs played a critical role in providing width and attacking options.
Diallo has flourished in the right wing-back role, contributing significantly to United’s attacking play. He has assisted three of the five league goals scored under Amorim, and since the start of November, he has registered more assists than notable players like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Bernardo Silva. His recent form includes making more key passes and completing more dribbles than any other player in United’s win over Everton, where he also impressed defensively with four tackles, the most of any player on the pitch. Amorim praised Diallo for his all-around performance, noting, “He was really good defending, and really good attacking, so he has to continue to play like that.”
Diallo’s move to wing-back has given him more space to drive at opponents, a freedom that was harder to come by when he played further forward under Ten Hag. This role allows him to create attacking opportunities and quickly transition United into the attacking third, becoming a vital asset in Amorim’s tactical setup. The upcoming match against Arsenal represents a significant challenge for United, with Arsenal in strong form, but Diallo’s growing influence and space to exploit Arsenal’s defensive weaknesses could be pivotal.
Having been undervalued under Ten Hag, Diallo is now central to Amorim’s plans, with early signs indicating that he will play a crucial role in United’s success, particularly in Amorim’s three-man defensive system.
