“This has to be his year” - Ten Hag makes confident claim about Manchester United star after pre-season friendly win over Rangers
Erik ten Hag has predicted Amad Diallo will enjoy a stellar upcoming season after watching him impress in Manchester United's 2-0 win against Rangers in a pre-season friendly. The Ivorian winger was on target, cleverly finding the bottom corner of the goal to open the scoring on Saturday (July 20).
Ten Hag suggested Amad would be a prominent member of his team during the 2024-25 campaign. The Dutch coach said (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"This has to be Amad Diallo’s year. We have to see Amad in a different way, he is not inexperienced anymore. I trust him."
Amad, 22, has had to be patient since arriving at Old Trafford from Serie A side Atalanta in January 2021. He's yet to be given a proper opportunity in the Red Devils' first team, spending spells out on loan at Rangers and Sunderland.
The four-cap Ivory Coast international stood out as Manchester United beat Rangers today in Edinburgh. He made three key passes, won six of the 10 ground duels, and took his goal with aplomb.
Amad has become somewhat of a fan favorite despite his lack of game time. He scored an iconic winner in the Red Devils' 4-3 win against Liverpool (a.e.t.) in the FA Cup quarterfinals last season.
Amad's potential breakout season at Manchester United means a new right winger isn't required
It feels as though Amad is on the brink of making the right-wing position his own at Manchester United. He'll have to see off competition from Alejandro Garnacho, who moved from the left wing to the right, but that could mean Marcus Rashford starts looking over his shoulder.
The Red Devils were seemingly in the market for a new right winger during the start of the transfer window. Michael Olise was reportedly on their radar, but they missed out on the French star to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
If Amad carries this type of performance into the new season, he could lessen the need for Ten Hag's right wing to be bolstered. He caught the eye in the 12 appearances he made last season, netting two goals and one assist.
The Ivorian will certainly expect to be ahead of Brazilian attacker Antony come the new season. His cameo outings overshadowed the under-fire former Ajax winger linked with a loan exit this summer.