It took Manchester United just 80 seconds to score the first goal of the Ruben Amorim era. That’s how quickly Marcus Rashford found the back of the net against Ipswich Town only for The Red Devils to let their lead slip and draw 1-1 against promoted opposition. It wasn’t the winning start Amorim had hoped for.
However, there were several things for Amorim to take away from the match at Portman Road, one of which was the eye-catching performance of Amad Diallo. Having been picked to start as United’s right wing back, the Ivorian single-handedly created Rashford’s opener through a magnificent individual run. He was impressive.
“I think it was very good, he has improved a lot,” said Amorim when asked about Diallo’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town. “Since these three days, he improved so much defensively but for him, the opponent he had all the time was the left back [Ipswich Town’s Leif Davis].
“So it’s like a winger follows the left back. It’s so much easier I think because he doesn’t have to think, ‘can I jump in the centre back or not?’ He just follows one guy and goes forward and it’s like a game of man-to-man game in that area. He was so focused on everything, I think he did a great job.”
Amorim’s back three is demanding new things of Manchester United’s squad. With Noussair Mazraoui deployed as a right-sided centre back, the Portuguese coach turned to Diallo to provide width as a wing back. The 22-year-old also offered plenty on the defensive side of the ball, getting up and down the wing all game.
Under Erik ten Hag, Diallo was a peripheral figure. The Ivorian started just three games in the Premier League last season and found himself behind the likes of Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony. Bruno Fernandes was even used in a wide position over Diallo who was also loaned out by Manchester United.
Now, though, Diallo is firmly in the first team picture at Old Trafford. He is expected to start against Everton this weekend after starring against Ipswich. Amorim needs players he can trust to push United up the Premier League table and there are signs that Diallo is one of his early favourites within the squad. The Ivorian could be a big part of Manchester United’s future under the new manager.
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