Manchester United have seen many big players waste away at Old Trafford over the years, while others have gone cross town to dominate English football at Manchester City.
But Amad Diallo is the player the Red Devils need to build around for the long term, with the Ivory Coast international the best player on the pitch on Sunday as they staged a dramatic comeback to stun their rivals into silence.
For a while, it looked as though United would crash to another defeat.
A City corner was powered home by Josko Gvardiol, with the defender capitalising on some poor marking from Rasmus Hojlund to put his side ahead.
Amad Diallo was outstanding as Man Utd beat Man City 2-1 in Sunday’s derby day clash at the Etihad
PA
But Pep Guardiola’s side aren’t their old selves these days. Far from it, in fact.
The nerves could felt around the Etihad Stadium. Fans, like opponents, sense there’s something frail and vulnerable about the reigning Premier League champions – something that was unfeasible just months ago.
And United also sensed blood.
It seemed as though their chance to level had gone when Bruno Fernandes chipped Ederson, only for his effort to go wide.
But then Amad, the brightest spark on the pitch, decided to make the game his own.
With just minutes left on the clock, the former Atalanta star delictately controlled the ball before nudging it past Matheus Nunes.
That was enough to spark the City star into fouling him, with referee Anthony Taylor pointing to the spot.
It was only possible because of Amad’s genius. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty and converted from 12 yards, sending Ederson the other way in the process.
READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds speaks out on ‘pulling away’ rumours from Wrexham amid £475million investment
Honours even, it would seem.
But Amad wasn’t done there.
Lisandro Martinez, who was a rock at the back and able to nullify the threat of Erling Haaland, sent the ball through in the closing stages.
Amad was quick on the uptake and managed to tip the ball over the outgoing Ederson before sliding his strike into the far corner.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Amad Diallo kissed his Man Utd badge after firing them to a 2-1 win over Man City
PA
There were excited scenes on the United bench, with many players and staff members losing it as they joined in the celebrations.
Gary Neville, commentating for Sky Sports, reacted by saying: “It is bedlam in that far corner and on the Manchester United bench.
“Amad what have you just done? An absolute shining light.
“What must Pep Guardiola be thinking? Amad has been sensational – the only Manchester United player to look like a Manchester United player.
Amad Diallo was mobbed by his Man Utd team-mates after firing them to a 2-1 win over Man City
PA
“The touch is perfect and the finish – Gvardiol maybe could have cleared it but take nothing away from Amad.”
The onus for United is to now build on this. To build around Amad, their next superstar.
As for City – with just one win from their last 11 matches – the crisis continues. Whether Pep Guardiola can turn things around, and get his side fully firing, remains to be seen.
+ There are no comments
Add yours