Amad Diallo has had a promising start to the new season at Manchester United, but his recent outing with Ivory Coast was far from impressive.
The 22-year-old has had to wait for his opportunity under Erik ten Hag due to injury struggles and the Dutchman’s preference to rely on Antony last season. However, this term, it seems the pieces are starting to fall in place for the creative star, who moved to Old Trafford from Atalanta in 2021.
Diallo enjoyed an encouraging pre-season and was accordingly rewarded with back-to-back starts in the opening two Premier League games. He even registered his name on the scoresheet against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Ten Hag opted to go with Alejandro Garnacho against Liverpool, but Diallo came off the bench in the second half and immediately started troubling the visitors’ backline, raising question marks on his manager’s decision to not start him in the first place.
Fans and media alike are certain to be left perplexed if the Dutch tactician omits the Ivorian from his starting lineup against Southampton.
However, when it comes to the national team, it appears there’s a long way to go before he wins over the Cote D’Ivoire press, who were left unimpressed with his performances against Zambia and Chad during the recently concluded international break.
Diallo started against Zambia but was hooked off in the 70th minute when the scoreline was still 0-0. Ivory Coast scored two quick goals in the last 20 minutes to win the game. The United talent was then overlooked for the starting lineup for the following game against Chad.
Sharing their thoughts on his display, Fraternite Matin (via Sport Witness) wrote: “Especially against Zambia where he often made mistakes in his movements. Was he a victim of his desire to do too well?
“According to some observers, he paid the high price for a system that creaked a little with a confusion of roles between Oumar Diakité and him.”
Diallo, who has played on the right flank for United this season, certainly struggled as the most advanced midfielder in Ivory Coast’s 4-3-3 formation.
Manager Emerse Faé might have to pick Diallo over Oumar Diakité, who occupied the position in both fixtures, if he wants to see the best of the United youngster.
Diakité was impressive in the recent games. As such, in order to convince Faé to make such a big decision, Diallo might have to deliver more convincing performances at United.
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