Ruben Amorim blessed with influential fitness boost at the perfect time – view

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·25 aprile 2025

Ruben Amorim blessed with influential fitness boost at the perfect time – view

The news of Amad Diallo returning comes at the best possible time for Manchester United.

Winning the Europa League trophy is a necessity for the club. This is particularly true when considering the disastrous Premier League campaign.

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Yes, United found a way to advance against Lyon. It came through an incredible struggle. Then, the unfortunate update of Joshua Zirkzee’s hamstring injury left many concerned. The attack consistently struggles. This is true even at full health. After all, it was Harry Maguire, serving as an emergency striker, who ultimately pushed the Reds through to the semi-final of the European competition.

Reintroducing Diallo now helps to fill the void left by the Zirkzee exclusion. It also can elevate an area of the pitch that hasn’t been that strong to begin with anyway. Tactically, the Ivorian offers a lot of versatility. Depending on how the game shapes up, Ruben Amorim could just as easily put him up top for Rasmus Højlund.

Welcomed attacking punch for the side

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

One of the No. 10 roles just behind the striker suits him best. His ability to drift out wide and then create chances close to or inside the box simply adds an added dynamic for Man Utd compared to when he isn’t available.

More importantly, he has the willingness and confidence to take on defenders in a one-on-one setting. An element that is often missing from the current side is the lack of spirit and chance-taking. Amorim’s men rarely look threatening, even when they are able to gain ahold of possession.

Sometimes, what’s needed is a person to be able to dribble at an opponent and either beat him to the spot or force an outside back’s teammate to step out of position to provide cover. Either way, this opens up chances for someone. At only 22, Diallo shows maturity in these moments. He often makes the right choices about whether to shoot or pass it off.

That’s his preferred role. He can also function as an outside right-wing-back. The work rate and stamina truly allow him to have diverse roles. Amorim can comfortably line him up in several spots in the 3-4-3 system. Not being limited or stubborn about where he needs to line up, Diallo is something of a rare gem in the modern game.

Players need to have the courage to unlock defenses. Oftentimes, Man Utd looks scared and afraid of making mistakes. It’s known that the pressure of the badge at this club can outweigh that of others. For Diallo, it appears that he thrives anyway. This is impressive, as he knows and has seen from others for whom it proves to be too much. So far, he’s exceeding expectations and is something of a much-needed leader despite his age.

Important Man Utd element that cannot be overlooked

Shifting away from the tactical and skill set side of things, Diallo’s re-entry will be a boost for the team. Those in the dressing room know that this season has been a disappointment. Seeing someone come back who was thought to be gone for the rest of the remaining fixtures will undoubtedly give renewed, desperately needed energy at the training grounds.

Sometimes in team sports, only a 2-3% difference can be what pushes a side over an obstacle. Right now, Man Utd need to beat Athletic Bilbao over two legs. Diallo returns to the lineup soon. He’ll provide a psychological and on-field edge for Amorim during the UEL fixtures.