Erik ten Hag delivers verdict on Amad Diallo performance for Manchester United

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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has praised winger Amad Diallo for his performance off the bench against Nottingham Forest.

Here we are again, talking about yet another Manchester United defeat.

The Boxing Day comeback win over Aston Vila didn’t spark momentum against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

United were dismal once again and deservedly lost 2-1, conceding two more goals to cutbacks on the edge of the box.

It’s just one step forward, two steps back with United but under-fire boss Erik ten Hag did find something to enjoy…

Erik ten Hag praises Manchester United talent Amad Diallo

United were able to call upon winger Amad Diallo for the first time this season.

The Ivorian picked up an injury in pre-season and has been battling for fitness ever since.

Diallo was named on the bench against Forest and came on for the struggling Antony in the second half.

Ten Hag was happy with what he saw, telling Sky Sports that he felt the 21-year-old made a positive impact.

Ten Hag picked out Diallo for a ‘really good’ performance whilst defending his attacking players amid questions about their involvement in the game.

“In the second half, they were in the match. I thought Amad Diallo came in really good, Alejandro Garnacho played a very good game, I think,” said Ten Hag.

Diallo has a chance to shine at Manchester United

Diallo played 36 minutes and managed one key pass, one shot on target, one tackle and 17 accurate passes.

This isn’t mind-blowing stuff but DIallo showed the potential to make a real impact in the final third, especially with Antony offering very little on the right flank.

United clearly think very highly of Diallo having paid £37million to sign him from Atalanta in 2021.

Diallo excelled on loan at Sunderland last season and will have been desperate to shine upon his return to Old Trafford.

Injury has delayed Diallo’s impact but he showed promising signs against Forest and will be banging on the door for more action, possibly primed to start against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

A natural right-sided winger, Diallo can now pile the pressure on Antony and attempt to prove that he is the solution to United’s right-sided issues.

It’s just one performance, and only half an hour at that, but Diallo could give United fans something to get excited about in 2024.