Rio Ferdinand says Amad Diallo is making strong case to “play every week” after another superb display vs. Brighton and Hove Albion | OneFootball

Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Amad Diallo is making a strong case to start every week for Manchester United, after another superb display despite the club’s defeat at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion.

United suffered a 2-1 loss at the Amex Stadium, with goals from Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro denying them a share of the points.

The Red Devils’ only goal was grabbed by Amad in the second half. The Ivorian cut in from the right and brilliantly smashed the ball home.

Barely 24 hours after announcing the heartbreaking news of his stepmother’s passing, it was a deserved moment for Amad, who of course dedicated his goal to her.

The 22-year-old has started each of United’s Premier League clashes against Fulham and Brighton and according to Ferdinand, he does not deserve to be dropped on current form.

Ferdinand told TNT Sports, “I’m really delighted for him [Amad]. I’m really pleased for him. He’s had a tough week, obviously, with his stepmother passing. But the way that he’s applied himself today, he’s quite congested. Then, one little bit, a nice little ball inside the wide man. And this is a signature Amad move here.”

“If anyone who’s seen or watched him play, been able to jerk the full-back, to go out on the outside, then come back inside. And then a composure then to smash it. And it’s a defender.”

“But I think he deserved that. The way he’s played today, he’s playing himself into contention to play every week at the moment.”

Pedro’s late goal came about as a result of some pitiful defending from United, which saw the Brighton forward left unmarked at the back post with plenty of space and time on his hands.

Ten Hag slammed United’s organisation on that occasion and according to Ferdinand, things may have been different if Harry Maguire was on the pitch at the time.

Maguire was substituted and replaced by new signing Matthijs de Ligt.

Ferdinand said, “I thought Harry Maguire grew into the game and played very well. I thought he was the best defender, or at least the best centre-back, for Man United today.

“I was a bit surprised when he was brought off actually. If he was still on the pitch maybe he would have been the one leading and vocalising for that second set piece.”

“When centre-backs are taking off during the game and it’s not injury-related it does baffle you a bit. It didn’t happen in our era. At the end of the day, he’s got a lot of players he needs to keep happy.”

Ferdinand further stated, “[Matthijs] De Ligt is in there and he looked comfortable when he came on. I wouldn’t say Maguire had a bad game, he was very solid for most parts of that game.”

United return to action next weekend when they host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

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