The 18-year-old joined Man United from Atalanta in January and has played for the club’s reserves as he adapts to his new environment.
Amad Diallo will be given a more vital role shortly
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Amad Diallo is close to making his first start for Manchester United after the winger made his substitution debut in a 4-0 win at Real Sociedad on Thursday. The 18-year-old joined Man United from Atalanta in January and has played for the club’s reserves as he adapts to his new environment. Diallo played in the last seven minutes of the Europa League last 32 first-leg game against Sociedad after replacing Mason Greenwood, and Solskjaer says he will be given a more critical role shortly. “That’s why we felt towards the end when we were 3-0 to go and let him enjoy his first 10 minutes for the club.”
Manchester United found their perfect lineup against Real Sociedad
He added to reporters at a press conference: “We will decide on his first start after Newcastle on Sunday. Diallo played a couple of games in reserves, and there are still a few other players on the bench who would like to start. Of course, but Amad is getting closer; we’ll see how much playtime he gets”. Following Sunday’s Premier League match against Newcastle, Man United will turn their attention to the return draw against Real Sociedad. Despite their comfortable lead, Solskjaer says he will not be fielding a very different starting XI. He said: “No, we have to take one game at a time. Newcastle is the first, but we will put a strong team on building momentum. We went through a difficult period, and I thought we found ourselves tonight.”
Everyone saw Daniel James’ x-factor on the pitch
“I thought the boys got that zip in their legs again. So it was important to take some of the players and still rotate the team. We’ll rotate, but we won’t take it lightly”. Bruno Fernandes struck twice for the Red Devils. While Daniel James set up one of the Portuguese midfielder’s goals. And Marcus Rashford were both on the scoresheet. “Daniel has always been on my mind and always in contention, you can see his x-factor tonight, his work rate, his pace, running from behind, and I think he scored in the last three or four appearances now, and he works every day to improve his game. I’m happy for him, and he knows how much we appreciate him,” Solskjaer said.
“Fernandes always wants to do the next thing and the next thing right and the next thing to the best of his ability, and it’s an excellent attribute to have that you never rest on your laurels. If he scores two, he wants three, and if he has an assist, he wants another one. Fernandes drives everyone on. Sometimes he drives too much and wants to do too much. Tonight I thought he played his position very well. He was in the spaces we wanted him, and you can see how effective it is.”