Thursday saw Amad Diallo continue his return to prominence for Manchester United with a brilliant cameo against Athletic Club.
The entire Europa League knockout campaign has been iconic this season for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim guided his side to a 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, a 7-6 over Lyon and now a 7-1 aggregate triumph over Athletic Club.
It is hard to believe the goal-scoring struggles United have had domestically, but the 19 goals in six Europa League games are almost half the 42 Premier League goals scored in 35 games.
This European form now sits at 14 games unbeaten with nine wins and five draws. Now, United will take on Spurs in the Europa League final.
In the win, United had several standout performers who stepped up to push the team over the line and kill Bilbao’s dreams on the spot. One of these players was Amad Diallo, who was flawless in his 27-minute cameo.
Amad Diallo sends message after Manchester United reach Europa League final
Amad is still working himself back into things after his ankle injury, but early signs are that he is better than ever and might have benefited from the break.
The 22-year-old provided the assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s goal with an excellent dribble down the right before putting it across the face of the goal for the Dane, who couldn’t miss.
After the game, Amad has taken to Instagram with a message to United fans.
He wrote: “See you in Bilbao”, followed by a fingers-crossed emoji and a heart.
In the comments to Amad’s message, Marcus Rashford was one player to respond as he labelled United’s talented forward a “Baller”. He followed this up with a flames emoji as he has clearly been impressed with the performance Amad put in.
Bruno Fernandes was also in the comments, as he added a heavy breath emoji, which can only mean that Amad took his breath away with his excellent performance.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Will Marcus Rashford receive a Europa League winners’ medal if Manchester United beat Tottenham?
Rashford will surely be watching on with envy right now as his boyhood club gears up for a European final without him, after he pushed for an exit in January.
It is a game United could have used him in as well, but despite not being on loan at Aston Villa, Rashford will likely still be the recipient of a Europa League winners’ medal if United are able to beat Spurs.
According to the UEFA regulations handbook, Article 11.03, the team that wins the Europa League will be awarded 50 gold medals to distribute, of which Rashford will likely be on the list.
Rashford made six appearances for United in the Europa League campaign and so played a role and deserves to receive his medal. Antony, meanwhile, has the chance to be a double European champion as his Real Betis side are in the Conference League final.
United will be able to give Rashford his medal, silver or gold, on the 25th of May when Villa come to Old Trafford to end the season.
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