Manchester United continued the Europa League campaign on Thursday, winning for the first time in the tournament this season.
In Ruud van Nistelrooy’s penultimate game at the interim helm, Manchester United continued unbeaten. United defeated PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford to shoot right back up the Europa League table.
| # | Club | Games | GD | Points |
| 15 | Man United | 4 | +2 | 6 |
The first half was a frustrating watch as the final piece continually failed to come off, but there was a feeling that United were the better team.
Eventually, this won out as United took the lead in the 51st minute with Amad Diallo’s looping header converting an excellent ball from Bruno Fernandes.
The second came in the 77th minute with an incredible solo goal which he curled in from outside the box.
It was this performance, that will have caught the incoming head coach’s eye.
Amad Diallo sends a clear message to Ruben Amorim
After being unfairly left out of the starting line-up for over a month, Amad finally got his chance on Thursday night and he grabbed it with both hands.
Scoring both goals in the 2-0 win, Amad not only earned himself a start this weekend but also sent a clear message to Ruben Amorim who was no doubt watching on in Lisbon.
Amad’s first was a nicely controlled header which he looped over the goalkeeper and into the far post.
The second was a thing of beauty as Amad won the ball before driving toward the box and sticking the ball into the far corner.
He also created a chance for his teammates and completed three dribbles – proving to be United’s most dangerous attacker by quite some distance.
Defensively Amad was also impactful, competing in 16 duels and winning nine – one of which led to his second goal.
A brilliant performance which makes it clear that Amad is a player who needs to be on the pitch for United – and someone who could be immense under Amorim.
Manchester United must solve Amad contract situation
After such an impressive display, Amad has reminded us how important it is that he is retained and Ineos must hand him a new contract.
The latest on Amad’s contract situation at United is that he is expected to sign a new deal, with the Ivorian is said to be happy at the club.
United hold a year option on Amad’s contract and the worst-case scenario would see that triggered to give all parties more time to find an agreement.
However, this performance has not only sent a crystal clear message to Amorim but also to Ineos that they must give Amad what he wants because he is a very special talent who could easily be our right winger for years.
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