Manchester United’s social media team summed it up best. Moments after the final whistle of their 3-1 victory over Southampton, they sent out a notification acknowledging the inevitable: “Probably an obvious winner but the poll’s open regardless.” Everyone in Old Trafford knew who deserved the spotlight – Amad Diallo.
Diallo had yet to leave the pitch when the celebration began. After securing the match ball, the 22-year-old waved to all sides of the stadium, acknowledging the ovation from the fans. He then made his way to the pitchside broadcast area to reflect on his heroic performance. “In football, you have to believe,” he said, summing up the spirit that had carried him through the game – and perhaps through his career at United.
Entering the final eight minutes of what had been a lackluster showing, Diallo equalized with a vital goal. He then added two more in stoppage time to complete a remarkable hat-trick, rescuing United from what had been shaping up to be an embarrassing defeat against the league’s bottom side.
From loan spells to key player
Diallo’s resurgence is a tale of persistence. At the time of Erik ten Hag’s departure in October 2024, Diallo had managed only 12 starts since his arrival from Atalanta in 2021. Loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland seemed to signal that his future lay away from Old Trafford. With his contract nearing its end, it was unclear if the club would keep him beyond a one-year extension.
But under new leadership – first Ruud van Nistelrooy and now Ruben Amorim – Diallo has flourished. He has made another 12 starts since October, scoring eight crucial goals. These include a late winner against Manchester City, an equalizer at Anfield, and now a stunning late treble against Southampton. His form has been rewarded with a fresh five-and-a-half-year contract, committing him to United until 2030.
“This is maybe one of the best weeks of my life,” Diallo told TNT after his first senior hat-trick. “We believed until the end, and we’re happy to win this game. Our recent results against Arsenal and Liverpool gave us confidence.”
Amorim keeps focus on progress
Despite Diallo’s heroics, United manager Ruben Amorim remains cautious. His team had struggled for most of the match, unable to replicate the counter-attacking tactics that brought success against tougher opponents. Against Southampton – a team with only one prior league win this season – United looked disjointed until Diallo’s late intervention.
Amorim praised Diallo’s season but emphasized the need for steady growth. “I haven’t said anything to him yet,” he admitted. “Tomorrow, I’ll remind him to rest, eat well, and get ready for Brighton on Sunday. He’s having a great season, and I’m happy for him, but we must be careful with young players. Tonight is done, and we move forward.”
With five goals and five assists since November, Diallo ranks just behind Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak in Premier League goal involvements. Whether as a wing-back or an attacking forward, his work rate and creativity have made him indispensable.
United fans will hope that Diallo’s transformation signals a brighter future for the team as they navigate a challenging season under new management.
