Manchester United shared the spoils against Ipswich Town in Ruben Amorim’s first game in charge yesterday.
The Red Devils made a perfect start, with Marcus Rashford scoring after 80 seconds.
They had momentum on their side for most of the opening half, but Ipswich pegged them back before the break. Omari Hutchinson scored with a sublime curler from the edge of the box.
The former Chelsea winger benefited from a slight deflection off Noussair Mazraoui’s head, which ensured that goalkeeper Andre Onana could not get his fingertips to deflect the shot.
Despite the stalemate, there were some standout performances. Manager Ruben Amorim praised Amad Diallo for his display.
He told MUTV (via Fabrizio Romano): “He was very good. In three days, he improved so much defensively.
“He was facing the left-back – he just had to follow him. He was so focused. He did a very good job.”
Diallo started in the right wing-back position against the Tractor Boys as Alejandro Garnacho was preferred to partner Bruno Fernandes in one of the attacking midfield roles.
He was brilliant playing there. The Ivorian delivered a peach of a cross for Rashford’s opener. Diallo also completed 91 percent of his passes with five duels won and five clearances.
The 22-year-old had the extra defensive responsibility as a wing-back, and he was focused on his job. If he keeps performing this way, he could become undroppable under Amorim.
Rashford and Garnacho are other wingers who can operate from the role, but they lack defensive awareness.
Diallo could become Amorim’s favourite, just like Geovany Quenda at Sporting CP this term.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Transfermarkt.com.