Amad Diallo sparkled at Afcon. What does it mean for Manchester United?

"To see Amad today is to see an emblem of hard work, guile, and skill, a man transformed from squad player to star. His impact extends far beyond the Premier League: at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), he made himself Cote d'Ivoire's No 1 man. In the 2025-26 season, no Red Devils player has provided more progressive carries, per FBref."

"Because of this, Amad has become imperative to United's buildup: when opposing teams implement a high press and force passes out wide, it's often Amad who receives the ball, beats a defender and drives upfield. And when defenses allow the long ball from goalkeeper Senne Lammens to target man Benjamin Sesko, Amad frequently collects the second ball or makes a supporting run. Even in open play, the winger floats around, providing both an outlet to the backline and a vertical threat in behind."

"Many of these moments have come as a result of Amad being pushed to a more defensive wing-back role in Ruben Amorim's system. In the first half of the 2024-25 season prior to the Portuguese manager's first game in charge Amad averaged 1.01 attempted take-ons per 90 minutes across all club competitions. In the second half of the season, that number rose to 4.28. This increase is reflective of a broader change in the Ivorian's demeanor; under Amorim, either when playing as a second No 10 or out at wing-back, Amad showed a heightened confidence and willingness to dribble at defenders."

Amad Diallo is 23 and joined Manchester United from Atalanta for a reported 19m (about $25m) plus add-ons. He endured limited minutes and loans to Rangers and Sunderland before returning to become a key difference maker. He emerged as Cote d'Ivoire's leading player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and led Manchester United in progressive carries in 2025-26 per FBref. He often receives wide passes under high press, beats defenders to drive upfield, and collects second balls from long goal kicks aimed at Benjamin Sesko. Deployment in Ruben Amorim's system, including time as a defensive wing-back, coincided with his attempted take-ons rising from 1.01 to 4.28 per 90 and a marked increase in confidence and willingness to dribble.

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