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Interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has heaped praise on Amad Diallo following his contributions in the side’s 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night.
United got their first Europa League victory of the season, courtesy of a sensational second-half brace by Amad.
The Ivorian has recently found minutes hard to come by but he certainly didn’t disappoint when given a start by Van Nistelrooy against PAOK.
After the final whistle, Van Nistelrooy spoke to TNT Sports and reacted to the team’s performance and Amad’s heroics.
The Dutch coach said, “It was a pretty poor first half and I’m being nice. Second half was way better, that was clear. I think Amad made the difference today. Obviously because of his goals but he was sharp, I think even in the first half, he was one of the few who were at the level.”
“So well done to him and good game. I think positionally we weren’t good at all…we left our positions. We were taking other positions than we set because, in their 4-4-2, there were four midfielders for us against the two to give them a problem…so too much out of position. We didn’t get the game going and the second half was a lot better and then we got into the game.”
He lauded Bruno Fernandes for his superb cross that led to Amad’s headed finish.
Reacting to Amad’s second strike, Van Nistelrooy told TNT, “He made his own goal. Christian [Eriksen] tried to cross it and then coming inside with the left, getting it in the far post was excellent. He won his own duel and took the shot for the goal, so good goal.”
Van Nistelrooy revealed that Amad has been “incredible” in training and hasn’t been affected by the limited playing time he has been afforded.
Paul Scholes asked Van Nistelrooy about Fernandes’ failure to remain in his playmaking position in the middle of the park.
The Dutchman replied, “I tried to say it to the whole team [to remain in their positions]. If we can keep those positions…the 10s…and it was Amad today from the right inside with Mazraoui higher up and Bruno on the other side. Those are two players who can play in the spaces. If we can get it[the ball] from the 6s to them, or from the sides to them then we have everything to play for.”
Once again, Van Nistelrooy insisted that he wants to remain at Old Trafford even after Ruben Amorim officially takes charge of the team.
The former Red joked that he has been repeatedly checking his phone in anticipation of United’s confirmation that he will stay at the club.
Van Nistelrooy’s last game in the dugout will see him lead the team against Leicester City on Sunday.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
