Amad Diallo: Michael Carrick makes glowing admission about United star | OneFootball

Amad Diallo started the first six matches under Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick but dropped to the bench against Crystal Palace last weekend. The Ivorian has experienced testing times at the Theatre of Dreams since arriving in 2020 before eventually finding his place in the starting XI under former manager Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese deployed Amad in an unconventional right wing-back role, where he proved to be a revelation. Amorim’s departure did raise questions about the 23 year old’s involvement, especially since the team reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Carrick.

However, the Englishman opted to use the Ivorian in attack, where his pace, trickery, and work ethic were a boon for the Red Devils. While Amad’s all-round game drew praise, he failed to register a goal or an assist under Carrick, and subsequently had to make way for the red-hot Benjamin Sesko against Palace last weekend.

The Slovenian responded to his first start under the English manager by scoring the winner against the Eagles. Amad replaced Sesko in the 75th minute and was lively once again, although he failed to score. Nevertheless, Carrick has now spoken highly about the Ivorian.

No concerns about game time

Speaking ahead of the game against Newcastle United on Wednesday, as cited by the club’s website, Carrick said that he was not worried about how Amad would respond to losing his place in the starting XI. He said: “Amad has been massive for us. Massive for us. So, it’s not a major downside that he didn’t start.”

“He’s a big player for us. That’s our approach to it and the boys have been fantastic. I know it’s ended up keeping consistency with the team but it doesn’t mean we can’t change things around or mean it’s a big fall-out or someone has had a bad game so they’re out of the team.”

“It’s not necessarily that at all. The boys have been really good and the flexibility and rotations means we can change things around that’s great for us.”

Amad has registered two goals and three assists from 23 games in all competitions for United this season, all but two of which were starts.

Amad Diallo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

A dream to work with

Carrick went on to reveal that the Ivorian is a dream to work with, adding: “He’s another one, Amad, who is such a dream to work with. His attitude is so positive. He wants to learn, he wants to keep pushing.”

“He asks for more – ‘what can I do more?’ or ‘how can I improve?’ He is desperate to do well and has been a huge part of the team.”

“It will be the eye-catching bits sometimes, the bits we know he can bring, but, other times, it’s his work off the ball, defending. It’s huge to be able to do that for that kind of player. So he’s got a lot of attributes, Amad, and the way he came on didn’t surprise me. He’s been so positive all week so it didn’t surprise me.”

Final Thoughts

Amad’s directness and trickery provide a balance in United’s attack that will be vital in their quest for a top-four finish this season. With the Red Devils expected to fight on four fronts next campaign, the Ivorian will also provide much-needed cover to the frontline.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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