Manchester United finally got into the win column in the Europa League on the fourth attempt after beating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Defeating the Greek champions moved Manchester United up to 15th in the Europa League table and finally on track to qualify for the knockout stages.
It was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s third and penultimate game in charge of the club, with Ruben Amorim taking charge officially on Monday after United agreed to pay Sporting his £9.25m release clause.
On a brisk November night at Old Trafford, it was Amad Diallo who provided all the heat as he scored twice to prove he deserves to be starting after a month on the bench.
United’s No.16 was in phenomenal form on Thursday – with his display catching the eye of his teammates as Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund react.
Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund share reactions after 2-0 win
Amad was far and away the best player on the pitch during United vs PAOK, consistently being the most dangerous as he completed three dribbles.
One man who was impressed was Mainoo who will have been watching from home as he works towards his return from injury – which is expected later this month.
Taking to Instagram, Mainoo posted on his story with an image of Amad celebrating, while adding a caption which coined a new nickname for the talented Ivory Coast international.
“Amadinho”, he called Amad, a play on Ronaldinho who would have been envious of how United’s 22-year-old performed on Thursday.
Mainoo was not alone in praising Amad, as Rasmus Hojlund actually gave Amad a shout on his Instagram – after the Dane himself struggled.
“No witty caption tonight. Just wanna thank you guys for hearing those chants when we’re on the pitch. Never getting used to it and absolutely loving it. Congrats @amaddiallo19 u deserved it”.
Amad should be starting every Manchester United game
Before Thursday night against PAOK, Amad had not started in a month since the 3-3 draw against Porto.
This was a baffling decision from Erik ten Hag considering how impressive he had been through the season to that point.
But now he’s been given a chance and made Ten Hag’s decisions look awful – while also sending a clear message to both Van Nistelrooy and Amorim that he should be starting every game.
Amad offers something so different on the right and it is refreshing to see. While both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford offer similar traits in terms of being right-footed and most often looking for the shot, Amad helps those around him play better.
However is is also capable of scoring and when he shoots, he is often making the right decision. At this rate, he could quickly become the most important player in the squad.
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