Van Nistelrooy: Amad’s Substitute Role Fueled Performance

Amad Diallo netted both goals for Manchester United in their match against Greek club PAOK. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy believes that an extended period spent as a substitute served as a motivational factor for Amad Diallo, Manchester United’s player who scored two goals in the Europa League. Prior to starting against Greek team PAOK at Old Trafford, Amad had been listed as a substitute for six consecutive matches. According to Van Nistelrooy, the 22-year-old responded by being “our best player in the first half” and subsequently “winning us the game in the second”. When questioned about whether frequent appearances as a substitute had been a source of motivation, Van Nistelrooy responded: “Apparently so.” The Ivory Coast international represented United’s most significant threat against their limited opponents; he was willing to challenge the PAOK defence with runs and persisted in doing so, even without immediate success. Van Nistelrooy acknowledged that a first half where United committed “many technical mistakes” and managed only one shot on goal “wasn’t good,” but Amad proved decisive following the break. “The second goal had everything in it that is Diallo,” Van Nistelrooy stated. “He fought to win the ball off the defender, then pushed through to take the shot and had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper.” “He is a great character and a hard worker. He shows that attitude in every training session. Every day in he comes to me and wants to do extra finishing, crossing, one v ones. He is asking how can I improve his shot, and his heading.” “He is constantly focused on learning and getting better. He is motivated to get the most from his career.” Amad’s current contract is set to expire next June; however, United possesses an option to prolong it for an extra year, and he expresses a desire to remain with the club for “a long time”. In the coming week, he will need to impress a new manager, as Ruben Amorim is scheduled to assume control. Van Nistelrooy mentioned he would need to “check his phone” to ascertain if he had received communication from the Portuguese manager, though he currently appears content that both individuals are focusing on their respective clubs. “I think that Ruben focuses on [Sporting at] Braga and I focus on Leicester [in the Premier League on Sunday],” the Dutchman stated.