Ruben Amorim will be delighted with ‘really impressive’ Manchester United star, says MUTV pundit

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Ahead of Manchester United’s first game, Ruben Amorim admitted that it was easier to teach the wing-back role to defenders.

Injuries to centre-backs meant Ruben Amorim adapted and started Amad Diallo at right wing-back.

Amad was United’s biggest attacking threat, providing an assist for Marcus Rashford to score after just two minutes.

And while he was still pushing into injury-time, Amad had to spend quite a lot of time tracking back and defending during the 1-1 draw.

Amad adapts to wing-back

Amad Diallo played all 90 minutes and managed 71 touches in total. He created two goalscoring chances, and the only negative was that he was not able to land any shots at goal, his only effort being blocked.

Defensively Amad was involved, making as many as five clearances, two headers, showing his aptitude for the test being posed by the home side.

Speaking after the game, former United talent Danny Simpson told MUTV he liked what he saw from the winger.

Simpson said: “I thought Amad going forward was very good. He created a goal at the end for himself, but his defensive work for me [stood out], getting back and understanding that position. So I’m sure the manager will be delighted.

“[He was] really, really impressive. It’s a new role for him. Obviously, we know him as an attacker but there was instances in the game where he was getting back and making defensive headers at the back post.”

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Amad backed to keep spot

While Amorim will try different players in different roles, Simpson is backing Amad to retain his spot.

He explained: “I think he can really flourish in this new system. He can definitely walk away today, happy with his performance and thinking, I maybe can stamp my authority in this team and make this this position my spot.”

Amorim may be tempted to try Amad further forward, due to his ability in the final third. This first season will be about experimentation.

But given the fact Amorim has had just one week to work with Amad, this was an encouraging start.

Amorim told MUTV after the game he is looking forward to more work on the training ground with his players, ahead of the next game against Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford.