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Manchester United showed remarkable character and determination to pull off a dramatic late 2-1 win away from home over bitter rivals Manchester City.
While the home side controlled proceedings for much of the match, Man United did well to overcome the disappointment of going behind before half-time to come from behind and shock the reigning Premier League champions in their own backyard.
For much of the match, United were lacking the final product up front, taking just three shots in the entire first half, of which none were on target. Still, the team produced some brief moments of magic late in the second half to change their fortunes, with Amad Diallo at the centre of the action.
Throughout the match, Amad looked lively. It was he who got United’s best scoring opportunity of the first half, going one-on-one with the keeper only for his shot to veer inches wide of the target.
In the second half, he was in the spotlight yet again, getting on the end of a Bruno Fernandes cross , which he headed confidently toward the bottom corner of the net. Unfortunately for him, Ederson had the awareness to produce a fine diving save to deny the goal.
Three minutes from time, Amad was yet again the focal point of United’s attack, bursting into the box only to be fouled by Matheus Nunes. Fernandes confidently put away the penalty to level the scoreline.
In the 90th minute, it was the young winger’s turn to put his name on the scoresheet. Lisandro Martinez directed a superb long ball toward Amad, who began his run toward the goal. Amad breezed past his marker before lobbing the ball up past the keeper and slotting it into the net from a tight angle, thus securing the win.
The United winger was perhaps his team’s most dangerous attacking force on the night, getting two shots on target while another two were blocked.
He won seven of 10 ground duels while showing his dribbling prowess to complete five of eight dribbling attempts.
While his shooting and dribbling were certainly impressive, Amad showed what an impeccable team player he is in the middle of the park.
He completed 32 of his 34 passes for 94% passing accuracy. He also completed his only long ball of the match.
Ultimately, Amad emerged as the star of the show, proving how he can be a match-winner even when United’s backs are against the wall. What’s more, with both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho excluded from the matchday squad, this performance could cement Amad’s place in Ruben Amorim’s starting lineup.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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