Manchester United boss Michael Carrick praised Amad Diallo after the Manchester derby win, continuing the acclaim the winger received after he signed for the club
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head Coach Michael Carrick of Manchester United poses at Carrington Training Ground on January 13, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael carrick got his United spell off to a strong start against derby rivals City(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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When Manchester United splashed out £37million on 18-year-old Ivorian winger Amad Diallo from Atalanta, it's reasonable to say there were some surprised reactions around Old Trafford.
The teenager was brought in during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign and has turned out to be a clever acquisition. Now a consistent starter, he delivered an impressive performance in the Manchester derby as Michael Carrick secured a brilliant inaugural victory as caretaker manager.
Following the match, Carrick told Sky Sports: "I am not going to say too much with respect to Pep, he is such an incredible coach and it is such a good team.
"It is not for me to pick them apart publicly. We wanted to play to our strengths. The two wide lads, Amad and Dorgu, were fantastic both ways."
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United icon Wayne Rooney, much like Carrick, also commended the effort levels shown by Dorgu and Amad. He commented: "I thought Amad and Dorgu on the wings were excellent, the work rate they put in to help the full-backs out and they got into a compact shape, which I spoke about, and hit Man City on the break."
Similar to both Carrick and Rooney, former manager Solskjaer holds Amad in high regard. During his tenure at United, Solskjaer had pursued Erling Haaland, Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, all of whom would slot straight into the current United squad, but one player he did successfully secure was Amad.
Solskjaer backed Amad for a promising future right from the start, shortly after bringing him to the club. "As a club, we have followed Amad for a number of years and having watched him myself, I believe he is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game," he said.
Amad Diallo of Manchester United
Amad Diallo has been a solid player for Manchester United(Image: Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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"Manchester United has such a proud history of developing young players and everything is in place to enable Amad to reach his potential here.
"It will take time for him to adapt but his speed, vision and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition. He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."
Amad is also someone Carrick has previously lauded during his time at United. Whilst serving as United caretaker in late 2021, the 44-year-old worked with the winger for the first time.
Later, when Amad was on loan at Sunderland and Carrick managing Middlesbrough, Amad netted the crucial second goal in a 2-0 victory and received acclaim from Carrick following the match.
"He does what he does," said Carrick at the time. "He's really talented, Amad. Good in tight spaces and does what he does with the ball.
"For the goal, that's what he brings and I think that's what he's maybe brought a bit more is his end product from when I knew him when he was a little bit younger a couple of years ago. He's doing really well."
Further acclaim saw Carrick describe him as a "terrific footballer" and noted that the winger had "jumped a level again".
Amad also holds Carrick in high regard, highlighting the significance of wearing the former England international's shirt. He said: "When I was told that I was getting the No. 16 shirt, I was happy because I know that Michael Carrick had previously worn that shirt for a long time and so it is a number worn by a legend of the club. So I have to respect the number and the players who wore it before me."