Manchester United’s 2024/25 season is in the rearview mirror and it will not be remembered fondly. But there is one positive.
The 2024/25 season ended with Manchester United in 15th position, a million miles away from where the club aspire to be.
The sucker punch was defeat in the Europa League Final, denying the club an undeserved parachute into next season’s Champions League.
The poor results and miserable moments must act as a springboard for change. One player has proven he must be a key part of it.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Amad Diallo finally broke through
Amad Diallo made his breakthrough at the back end of 2023/24, starring in the final Premier League games of the season before being dropped for the FA Cup Final.
After starring in pre-season, hopes were high for a big 2024/25, and it began promisingly before Erik ten Hag dropped him in the weeks prior to his sacking.
Ruud van Nistelrooy immediately recalled Amad, and the Ivorian did not look back. Only an injury briefly derailed his progress before his recovery late in the season.
Amad signed off by scoring a goal during Manchester United’s final league win over Aston Villa, increasing his personal tally.
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Able to play in attacking midfield or wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s system, Amad’s adaptability makes him a valuable part of the head coach’s plans.
Amad numbers for 2024/25
Amad Diallo ended the season scoring 11 goals and providing 8 assists, a total of 19 goal contributions.
Only Bruno Fernandes (19) scored more goals than Amad did for United this past season.
Amad success was years in the making
Manchester United agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Amad back in October 2020. His move was formalised in January 2021.
Beginning with United’s under-21 squad, Amad soon introduced himself to Manchester United fans with a goal against AC Milan.
Amad then spent time out on loan at Rangers, with limited success, and Sunderland, where he made a major impact.
An injury in summer 2024 delayed his progress, and Amad is currently playing for his fourth permanent manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
With the combinations of loans, managerial changes and injuries, Amad was never meant to succeed at Manchester United, yet his talent has been undeniable, and he has risen to the top.
Unlucky to miss out on the player of the year award to Bruno Fernandes, Amad is the beacon of light for United once the Portuguese star eventually departs, a superstar to build around.