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Interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has given an insight into the level of Amad Diallo’s dedication, mentality and desire to improve, following his stellar performance in the 2-0 win over PAOK.
Amad scored both goals as the Red Devils registered their first Europa League victory of the campaign.
The Ivorian found himself dubiously frozen out of the team in the latter stages of Erik ten Hag’s United tenure. Van Nistelrooy handed Amad his first start in seven games against PAOK and the player certainly didn’t disappoint.
In his post-match interview with TNT, Van Nistelrooy waxed lyrical about Amad, hailing him as the difference-maker at Old Trafford.
In his presser, Van Nistelrooy delved into greater detail about Amad’s professionalism and explained that he requests extra sessions to refine his game.
The Dutch coach told reporters, “Yes, he’s a great character, a hard worker, he shows it in every training session.”
“So that attitude and also extra work. Every day after training he comes to me and he wants to do extra finishing, extra crossing, extra one-vs-ones, extra how can I improve my shot, how can I improve my heading, etc. etc. etc.”
“He’s constantly focused on learning, getting better, living a very professional way so he’s very motivated to get the maximum out of his career. After so many games he didn’t start but he had a great performance today, so very pleased for him.”
Van Nistelrooy added, “I think the second goal had everything in it. That for me is Amad Diallo. He fought to take the ball off the PAOK defender and then he pushed through to get the shot and in the end he had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper. So that sums him up.”
On whether Amad was energised by a need to impress having been overlooked several times in the past few weeks, Van Nistelrooy stressed, “Apparently so because I think he was excellent.”
“In the first half he was our best player. Already he looked sharp, he did well, second half he decided the game for us with two important goals, so he did excellent.”
Amad was taken off with around 10 minutes of regular time left on the clock and replaced by Mason Mount.
Amidst fears that he could have sustained an injury, Van Nistelrooy stated, “He had to come off, unfortunately. He’s being assessed now and I hope he will be available for Sunday but we have to wait and see. His qualities are clear, the way he presented himself today was excellent and important for this team.”
Up next for United is Leicester City.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images