Surprised by MU's most important player

MU defeated Liverpool right at Anfield.

Manchester United's victory over Liverpool at Anfield was not only defined by Harry Maguire's decisive header, but also by the explosive performance of Amad Diallo - a player who is gradually becoming the "trump card" in Ruben Amorim's new football philosophy.

Diallo - the fearless detonator

Anfield is where many young Manchester United players have lost their way, but Amad Diallo chose to step into the light. Right from the first minutes, the Ivorian player silenced the red stands with a perfect pass with the outside of his left foot to help Bryan Mbeumo open the scoring. It was not just a simple assist, but a testament to the confidence, technique and exceptional vision of a player on the rise.

For more than an hour, Diallo turned Liverpool’s left flank into his own stage. Milos Kerkez, the Reds’ £40 million signing, was helpless as he was a victim of his impromptu dribbling, changing direction, dribbling and sprinting. Every time Diallo got the ball, the cheers from Anfield died down. A masterful flick over Kerkez’s head in the second half was a testament to the 22-year-old’s daring and cunning.

The only blemish on a perfect evening was a yellow card for a late challenge on Cody Gakpo, which forced Amorim to take Diallo off. But it was in that moment that his importance was revealed: once Diallo left the pitch, Manchester United immediately lost the rhythm of pressing down the flanks, leaving space that Liverpool repeatedly exploited.

“He was disappointed to be substituted, but I couldn’t take any risks,” Amorim said. “Diallo is too important for us and if he hadn’t been booked, he would have played the rest of the game.”

Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo scored in MU's first goal against Liverpool.

From being considered a potential reserve player, Diallo is becoming an indispensable figure in the plan to rebuild Manchester United. He not only makes his mark with speed and technique, but also with his fighting spirit - something that reminds fans of the classic "Red Devils" of the Ferguson era.

Amorim - the victory of faith and calculation

The victory at Anfield was a tactical coup for Ruben Amorim. When he arrived at Old Trafford, the big question was: who would take on the wing-back role – a key position in the 3-4-3 formation he had successfully used at Sporting Lisbon? Diogo Dalot was initially seen as the obvious choice. But with his form and versatility, Diallo rose above all.

Amorim deserves credit not only for trusting Diallo, but also for daring to be different. Against Liverpool, many managers would have chosen Noussair Mazraoui – a more solid defender – to play it safe. But Amorim chose Diallo, a risk-taker and an attacker. And the decision paid off handsomely.

Amorim’s tactics were also shrewdly pragmatic. He understood Liverpool were masters of high pressing, so he instructed goalkeeper Senne Lammens to play long balls instead of trying to build from the back. 44 of Lammens’ 46 passes were long balls – a rate of 95.7%. Manchester United largely ignored direct aerial duels with Van Dijk and Konaté, focusing on competing for “second balls”, gaining control in midfield, then launching quick counter-attacks when the opportunity arose.

It was a reasonable, effective solution and clearly reflected Amorim's strategic calculation. Manchester United won not only by will but also by meticulous preparation.

Amad Diallo is playing consistently.

More importantly, Diallo had been given a break earlier this month due to the death of a loved one. Amorim not only helped his student overcome the pain, but also gave him absolute faith. The result: two consecutive sublime performances against Sunderland and Liverpool - matches that showed Diallo had regained his form and confidence.

“He has had some difficult weeks, but the team has always been there for him,” said Amorim. “The important thing is that Diallo knows he is trusted.”

Victory at Anfield not only helped Manchester United close the gap on the top of the table, but also fuelled the belief that the Ruben Amorim era could be the promise of a different Manchester United: disciplined, intelligent and fearless.

If Maguire was the one who finished off Liverpool with a powerful header, Diallo was the one who ignited the victory - the spark that made the difference, symbolizing the attacking spirit and the desire for regeneration of the "Red Devils".

From his curly hair blowing in the Anfield wind to his smile after being subbed off, Amad Diallo has written a new chapter in Manchester United's comeback journey - a triumph of belief, courage and tactical intelligence.

Source: https://znews.vn/ngo-ngang-truoc-cau-thu-quan-trong-nhat-cua-mu-post1595312.html