Why Amad Diallo is Emerging as Manchester United’s Creative Protagonist
Amad Diallo’s footballing journey is a story of grit, adaptability, and undeniable talent. From the streets of Abidjan to Atalanta’s youth setup, to loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland, and now at Manchester United, his development as a player has been anything but straightforward. This detailed look into his career explores his game’s evolution, tactical adaptability, and potential as a dynamic attacking force.
Time at Atalanta
The Ivorian winger’s professional journey began at Atalanta, where he progressed through the youth system showcasing his natural flair and technical skills. Diallo operated primarily as a right-sided attacker in a front three, and in the 2018/19 season, he played alongside various future stars in their Primavera side such as Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, Leicester defender Caleb Okoli, and Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carenesecchi.
His left-footed ability to cut inside and attack central spaces made him an instant threat. Atalanta’s first team under Gian Piero Gasperini provided Diallo with a taste of senior football. Deployed in systems like the 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, he adapted to narrower roles, often working off a central striker and supported by overlapping wingbacks.
Diallo’s quick acceleration and nimble dribbling were his standout traits. He used small, precise touches to maintain control and evade defenders, enabling him to operate effectively in tight spaces. However, his game wasn’t without its flaws. His youth and lack of physical development meant he often played a more supportive role, using quick passes or off-the-ball runs to create space.
While his passing in the final third wasn’t always consistent, his understanding of angles and timing hinted at the creative potential that could flourish with more experience. Gasperini’s system often saw Diallo benefiting from Atalanta’s overlapping and fluid attacking structure.
He was particularly dangerous when given room to operate in a wide channel, where his ability to receive the ball facing forward maximized his dribbling ability. Even with limited first-team opportunities, Diallo’s flashes of brilliance including his debut Serie A goal caught the eye of scouts across Europe.
Move to Manchester United
He caught the attention of Manchester United scouts, and on the 2nd of January of 2021, the Red Devils secured his signature for £21.3 million. On his debut, Diallo scored a precious goal for Manchester United in their clash with AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League, securing a 1-1 draw on March 11, 2021 — the following week, Paul Pogba’s goal would see United edge Milan 1-0 and secure their spot in the quarterfinals. Although his debut was something made out of dreams, the remaining of the season saw him get limited minutes before he was loaned out to Rangers on the 27th of January of 2022.
A Challenging Transition: Rangers
When Diallo joined Rangers on loan in January 2022, it was seen as an opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience. He made an immediate impact, scoring within five minutes of his debut. But the early promise quickly faded as he struggled to adapt to the physicality and pace of Scottish football.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst appeared hesitant to trust him in key games, and Diallo’s confidence visibly took a hit. The intensity of the Scottish Premiership proved a steep learning curve. Diallo’s lightweight frame made it difficult for him to hold his own in physical duels, and his tendency to drift out of games drew criticism.
Despite these challenges, this period was an important stepping stone. It exposed areas of his game that needed improvement, particularly his off-the-ball positioning and ability to cope with high-pressure environments. Rangers offered Diallo an opportunity to experiment tactically. While he struggled for consistency, his flashes of brilliance showed his potential.
In one game, his ability to thread passes under pressure and take on multiple defenders was evident, but the lack of regular starts curtailed his rhythm. This stint ultimately underlined the need for patience and a nurturing environment for Diallo to thrive.
Redemption and Growth: Sunderland
Sunderland proved to be the perfect stage for Diallo to rebuild his confidence and showcase his abilities. The 2022/23 season saw him play a starring role in the Championship, scoring 14 goals and providing 3 assists under the guidance of Tony Mowbray. What stood out most was his bravery in possession and his willingness to take risks.
Diallo’s role as a right-winger and right 8 (at times) allowed him to exploit his strengths: cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, driving at defenders, and linking up with his teammates. His ability to carry the ball through crowded areas, combined with his sharp changes of direction, made him one of the most dangerous players in the league. Statistically, he ranked among the Championship’s best for progressive carries and successful dribbles, a clear indication of his direct style.
Photo: FBRef
Photo: FotMob
His goals were often spectacular, from long-range curlers to well-placed finishes in tight spaces. Diallo’s overperformance in expected goals metrics highlighted his finishing ability (8.11 compared to his goal tally of 13), but it also showed that he wasn’t afraid to take shots from ambitious positions. Importantly, his physicality improved he was no longer as easily bullied off the ball, and his defensive contributions also became more noticeable.
Photo: FotMob
Mowbray’s system at Sunderland allowed Diallo to operate with greater freedom. He frequently dropped deeper to receive the ball, enabling him to drive at defenders with space to accelerate. His link-up play with Sunderland’s midfielders and forwards became a hallmark of their attack, particularly through third-man runs and quick interchanges. Diallo’s ability to influence games consistently was cemented during key matches, including a stunning free kick in the playoffs.
Amad Diallo for Sunderland in 2022/23 – Source: DataMB
Midfielder profile:
98th percentile for progressive runs
97th percentile for forward pass accuracy
81st percentile for key passes
Winger profile:
90th percentile for non-penalty goals
83rd percentile for progressive runs
The Present: Manchester United
Diallo’s return to Manchester United has been a rollercoaster. Under Erik ten Hag, his minutes were limited, but he still managed to deliver moments of brilliance, such as his FA Cup winner against Liverpool. These flashes of quality hinted at his readiness for a bigger role. It was under Ruben Amorim’s management, however, that Diallo truly began to shine.
Amorim’s 3-4-3 / 3-4-2-1 system has given Diallo the structure and freedom to excel. As a right-sided wingback, he balances attacking flair with defensive responsibilities. His pressing numbers are among the best in the squad, and his ability to win the ball high up the pitch has been crucial in Amorim’s counter-pressing system.
Offensively, Diallo has emerged as a creative force, leading the team in take-ons, progressive carries, and chances created Although he started off as a right-sided wingback under Amorim, he has recently been operating on the right side of attack, with Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot playing as the wingbacks. His ability to deliver precise crosses and cutbacks from wide areas has added a new dimension to United’s attack.
Source: Premier League
Beyond the numbers, Diallo’s role within Amorim’s tactics highlights his evolution. He’s more than just a wingback, he’s a playmaker who can dictate tempo, connect midfield and attack, and break lines with his ball-carrying. This dual threat of creativity and directness has made him indispensable in recent matches. His ability to recover possession high up the pitch has also set the tone for United’s press, exemplifying his value beyond traditional attacking metrics.
Tactical Analysis
Diallo’s game is all about dynamism and intelligence. He’s a classic left-footed winger who thrives in one-on-one situations. His dribbling style relies on small, rapid touches allowing him to change direction quickly and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense.
Source: FotMob
One of Diallo’s standout traits is his diagonal runs from wide positions (recall the late City winner). These runs often end with him cutting inside to shoot or play incisive passes into the box. His ability to pick out teammates with cutbacks or low crosses makes him a dual threat. While he heavily favors his left foot, his right foot has shown enough reliability to keep defenders guessing.
Defensively, Diallo has developed significantly. His pressing intensity and ability to win duels have added a new layer to his game. He’s become a player who can influence matches on both sides of the ball, making him an asset in modern tactical setups. In one standout game under Amorim, Diallo’s pressing led directly to two goal-scoring opportunities, emphasizing his growing tactical awareness.
Diallo’s understanding of space and angles sets him apart. Whether it’s a well-timed diagonal run or positioning himself to receive under pressure, he’s constantly scanning the pitch. This awareness, combined with his technical ability, makes him a nightmare for defenders. His vision to create chances, even in crowded areas, highlights his playmaking potential, which continues to grow with experience.
The Road Ahead
At just 22, Amad Diallo’s ceiling remains incredibly high. His performances this season suggest he’s ready to become a regular starter for Manchester United. To take the next step, he needs to refine certain aspects of his game notably his shot selection and consistency in the final third. If he continues on this trajectory, Diallo can potentially become one of the Premier League’s most impactful wingers.
Diallo’s growth trajectory points toward a bright future. His combination of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and work ethic ensures that he’ll remain a player to watch for years to come. With more game time under Amorim and continued faith in his development, Diallo is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of Manchester United’s future success.
By: Rohit Kumaran / @kumaran_rohit3
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images