Amad Diallo is proof that progress is not linear.
It is no secret that Amad has emerged as one of Manchester United's outstanding players this season.
From the outside looking in, the timing is just right. Marcus Rashford fell out of favor and similar questions are being asked about the future of Alejandro Garnacho. That means Amad would always be the excellent deputy for the positions in the broader areas. However, this opportunity was earned and earned the hard way.
Before it was match-winning hat-tricks against Southampton, goals at the Etihad or equalizers at Anfield, it was a cold and lonely time in Scotland for Amad.
When Amad completed his move to Old Trafford in January 2021, then United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer called him “one of the most exciting young players in the sport”. The 18-year-old had just left Atalanta in a deal worth around £37.2 million with all add-ons.
The high fee made it a deal that many turned their noses up at. The move came under further scrutiny when Amad was deemed not ready for the tough work of Premier League football after just nine first-team appearances.
At that point, United fans had caught a glimpse of his guile, as he came off the bench to score a stunning header against AC Milan in the Europa League, but with further playing time limited, Amad was loaned out in January 2022 to Rangers for the club. rest of that season.
Amad's impact at Rangers was immediate. It took just four minutes for him to score on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Ross County. However, despite the perfect start, the flashes in his debut proved to be his highlight. Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Amad played a total of 502 minutes across 13 games, scoring three times in a forgettable spell at Ibrox.
A cleansing 3-0 defeat to rivals Celtic, where Amad was hooked at half-time, turned out to be his last Rangers start for three months. However, he was named in the starting XI for Rangers' final victory in the Scottish FA Cup in March that season. Gers also reached the Europa League final that year, but Amad was an unused substitute throughout the campaign.
Ahead of United's game against Rangers on Thursday, his former captain James Tarvernier spoke of the 'learning curve' Amad faced in Scotland.
“I think so [his time in Scotland] would have taught him something. Since then he has really made progress,” said Tavernier when asked to reflect on his time as Amad's team-mate.
“Obviously you get tested in an Old Firm, or you can go to places where they only have a few fans, so it's a different learning curve.
Despite a difficult period and failing to impress during a six-month loan, Tavernier believes Amad's talent spoke for itself.
'I was always convinced of it [he could reach the level he’s at now]” he said.
“He showed really good signs at Rangers when he was in and out of the team. He had a really good spell at Sunderland on loan and he continued that at Man United.
“He's really showing his talent at the moment, so he'll be a threat that we have to take into account tomorrow because he's really in good form. I'm looking forward to playing against him.”
Becoming Man Utd's face of the future
There are few certainties at Old Trafford, but a turbulent start to Amorim's United spell has not stopped Amad from shining through the shadows. People will point to his form and how he has seamlessly adapted to Amorim's instructions in a way that his teammates have not, but it has taken time for Amad to get a role at United.
His loan spell at Sunderland was a greater success than his months at Ibrox, but that still did not convince Erik ten Hag of his talent. Amad returned to United in June 2023, but a knee injury ruled him out for the first six months of the season.
He really made himself known when United won against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, where Amad scored a winner in extra time. United would later win the FA Cup, but Amad played thirty minutes during the semi-final and was an unused substitute in the final.
Amad's start to this campaign was one that he tackled with typical enthusiasm. In just four Premier League starts under Ten Hag, he contributed to two goals. His performances led to fans calling for greater involvement from Amad. Ten Hag's decision to ignore the 22-year-old until his dismissal in October is one that the Dutchman has come to regret over time.
Amad's growing role and influence earned him a deal to secure his future at Old Trafford until 2030 with a new contract in January. On the surface it looks like Amad has redefined himself at United, but in all honesty his progress has taken patience, setbacks and a loan to Rangers.
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