Erik ten Hag has set a challenge for Amad Diallo following his sensational performance for Manchester United in their 2-0 win against Rangers.
Goals from Amad and Joe Hugill in either half were enough to seal the victory for United at Murrayfield.
There were multiple good performers but it was Amad who stood out head and shoulders above the rest. During the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, the Ivorian was the Red Devils’ main source of attacking threat.
The player troubled Rangers’ backline all half and capped his fine display with a stunning goal.
Amad gave United the lead in the 39th minute after cutting inside and then burying the ball in sublime fashion with his left foot.
Last term, the 22-year-old saw his campaign hampered by injuries and when he made his return to the side, he primarily had to contend with a place on the bench.
He was handed opportunities to impress in the latter stages of the season and he did not disappoint. He certainly seems to have picked up where he left off.
After the final whistle vs. Rangers, Ten Hag spoke to MUTV and hailed Amad while challenging him to step up for the club.
The United boss remarked, “We have to see Amad in a different way.”
“Of course he’s still young, but he’s not inexperienced anymore. Last season he had bad times with bad injuries, before that he was in the Championship and had a great season.”
“At the end of last season he had a very good time in our first team, played some good games.”
“Now this has to be the year. It’s great that he starts like this.”
When asked if he is happy that the team has brought in two new players right before the preseason, Ten Hag replied, “Yes.”
Thus far, the 20-time English winners have added Leny Yoro from Lille and Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Yoro made a great debut against Lille after being picked in the starting lineup.
Ten Hag said about the club hierarchy, “This is very good.”
“We are on the front foot, very proactive. Leadership is doing a great job in this moment. That’s how we want to act. At United we are highly ambitious.”
“The earlier you can get your players in, then you can work on your team.”
United return to action next Sunday when they take on rivals Arsenal in California, USA.
