Ruben Amorim did not get the performance he was looking for as Manchester United beat Southampton.
The Red Devils were creeping towards a 10th Premier League defeat of the season before Amad Diallo’s spectacular 12-minute hat-trick salvaged three points late on.
Manchester United were far from their best but have now climbed to 12th in the Premier League table.
The scoreline certainly doesn’t paint the full picture. United were second-best against bottom-of-the-table Southampton for large periods at Old Trafford. Leny Yoro’s display was concerning, while a handful of other United players struggled to match the intensity they showed in recent weeks.
Ruben Amorim challenged United to be consistent after the penalty shootout win over Arsenal, but he will be far from happy with the performance his players delivered.
Even after Amad Diallo’s heroics, Ruben Amorim had no time to celebrate.
What Ruben Amorim did after Amad’s heroics
Amorim cut a frustrated figure on the Old Trafford touchline during what was an underwhelming performance from his side.
One challenge Amorim faced against Southampton was deciding who to play at wing-back. With Diogo Dalot suspended, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui started out wide.
However, he changed things late on with Alejandro Garnacho asked to drop back into a wing-back position. After Amad’s hat-trick, it was the young Argentine that Amorim was keen to talk to.
As reported by Laurie Whitwell, Amorim “grabbed Garnacho” after Amad scored to encourage him over his role at wing-back.
After the full-time whistle, Amorim finally had time to praise Amad for his hat-trick. Via TNT Sports, he said: “Even in the first half, every time Amad has the ball, he can push the ball. Sometimes he doesn’t take one player, but he pushes the other team to the final third inside the box.
“That type of player is really important.”
Amad Diallo sparkles, Alejandro Garnacho far from his best
While Amad had one of his best nights in a United shirt, Garnacho failed to get going.
Reports this week revealed that Napoli have bid £38m for Garnacho this week, with the academy star facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford. His performance suggested his focus was not fully on the match.
Garnacho missed a huge chance early on after a great run from Rasmus Hojlund, and he drew some groans from the Old Trafford crowd with some sloppy touches and misplaced passes.
He lost possession 14 times against Southampton and only won five of his 14 duels.
READ MORE: Manchester United make Alejandro Garnacho decision after receiving significant transfer offer
Garnacho was unlucky not to add an assist to his tally when Antony bizarrely messed up an easy shot in the second half, but ultimately Amad was the only United star who wasn’t wasteful in front of goal.
Despite the exit links, Amorim has kept faith in Garnacho and he kept him on the pitch until the end despite his disappointing display early on. His encouragement after Amad’s goal proves he will continue to try and get the best out of United’s young star.
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