Amad Diallo has been branded as “sensational” by Gary Neville after the Ivorian turned the Manchester derby on its head for the Red Devils in two chaotic minutes
Manchester United can count their lucky stars and thank Amad Diallo for two minutes of brilliance.
Amad, 22, has come of age under Ruben Amorim – and he was the man of the moment against bitter rivals Manchester City. City, who have crumbled in recent months, were once again a shadow of their former selves during a drab Manchester derby.
The Ivorian was, as Gary Neville put it, the only Manchester United player that looked like a Manchester United player – and he pounced on a poor back pass from Matheus Nunes to send him one-on-one. Instead of rushing the chance, Amad held up the ball and waited for an incoming Nunes.
The Portuguese midfielder – turned full-back for the day – clattered into Amad. Bruno Fernandes didn’t need a second invitation from the penalty spot, 1-1.
City were shellshocked – and the team that is devoid of confidence crumbled once again, Pep Guardiola’s side were spineless, and Amad was the most switched on. He was picked out, lobbing the ball over Ederson. Gary Neville branded him “sensational” as he awarded him the Man of the Match award.
It’s one win in 11 games for City now; Guardiola looked stunned at full-time.
City continue to slip and slide down the table – and their form doesn’t look like it will return anytime soon. This is uncharted territory for the Champions, who, despite winning the Premier League four times on the bounce, look like they can’t kick a football.
Guardiola had to figure out a solution, and he has to figure it out soon. City are dropping down the table at an alarming rare – with Nottingham Forest, the only team to lose to City during this run, leapfrogging them over the weekend.