Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is concerned that Amad Diallo does not have the defensive capability to become his first-choice right wing-back at Old Trafford even though he offers more of a goal threat than Noussair Mazraoui, GIVEMESPORT columnist Steve Bates has revealed.
The Red Devils were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, with Benjamin Sesko on course to be the most expensive acquisition as his switch from RB Leipzig will be worth £73.7million if add-ons are triggered, but they have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and are in the bottom half of the Premier League after struggling for results.
Amorim Has Defensive Concerns Over Diallo
Amorim is not convinced by Diallo in the wing-back role, respected journalist Bates has revealed in his latest GMS column, and the Portuguese tactician decided to rush Mazraoui back into the starting line-up for Manchester United’s derby defeat to Manchester City last weekend due to seeing the Moroccan as the most natural fit on the right-hand side.
The Red Devils were condemned to a 3-0 loss by their rivals, thanks to Phil Foden’s header and a second half brace from Erling Haaland, meaning that they have still only registered one Premier League victory since the campaign got underway despite their spending spree during the summer transfer window.
Bates has revealed that Amorim has concerns over whether Diallo – who started in an attacking role against Manchester City – is able to play a key role in keeping a clean sheet when Manchester United are on the back foot, leading to there being question marks over whether he can flourish at right wing-back even though he can unlock defences.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Amad Diallo made two tackles and completed as many key passes during Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City last weekend
Although the Ivory Coast international has been described as ‘sensational’ by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, his boss’ preferred system and the arrival of big-name forwards mean he is unlikely to be handed regular game time in his preferred role on the flank over the course of the season, while Manuel Ugarte has also come under fire for his performances.
Amorim has seen that Diallo, who is on a contract which allows him to pocket £150,000-per-week when bonuses are activated, cannot match the athleticism of Patrick Dorgu on the opposite side of the pitch and that has resulted in him being in danger of being unable to hold down a place in the first-choice starting line-up.
Bates has suggested that Diogo Dalot is also not considered the long-term solution at right wing-back, but Mazraoui is being viewed by Manchester United as one of the best value-for-money signings they have made in recent times and there was an eagerness to get him back to full fitness after missing the early stages of the campaign through injury.