Old Trafford definitively found its new hero as Amad Diallo inspired Manchester United to victory against Southampton.
Building on the momentum gained from impressive performances against Liverpool and Arsenal, Ruben Amorim’s side climbed to twelfth in the table with a hard-fought 3-1 win.
The Manchester faithful were forced to suffer for their spoils, coming from behind against their struggling guests with multiple vulnerabilities again laid bare.
But a sensational hat-trick from the majestic Ivorian sealed three Premier League points for the first time in 2025 ahead of Sunday’s arrival of Brighton.
Amad Diallo injects belief into Old Trafford
United’s Portuguese chief made three changes to the starting XI that defeated Arsenal, with Andre Onana, Leny Yoro and Diallo replacing Altay Bayindir, Harry Maguire and the suspended Diogo Dalot.
Expectedly, his side began confidently and retained possession with consummate ease throughout the opening ten minutes of play.
That said, those in attendance were expecting a rip-roaring start from the Reds, and a lack of attacking tempo during the settling phases left a hint of disgruntlement in the stands.
Inevitably, despite controlling possession, Onana was the first goalkeeper to react to adversity.
Kamaldeen Sulemana starred for the Saints in their 3-0 FA Cup victory against Swansea, and the Ghana international nearly broke the deadlock after 13 minutes played.
His mazy run saw him glide past Yoro on the edge of the area before cutting onto his right foot and forcing a fine save from the Cameroonian shot-stopper.
United replied immediately and directed play towards Aaron Ramsdale’s goal with increased intent.
They should have taken the lead on the 20-minute mark following a splendid run and pass from Rasmus Hojlund, but Alejandro Garnacho fired the opportunity wide when it seemed easier to hit the target.
United continued to probe for the opener and had a hint of a shout for a penalty following a speculative handball in the area, but VAR saved the visitor’s blushes.
Amazingly, Onana was forced into a tremendous double-save after 27 minutes following an impressive run by the brilliant Tyler Dibling.
The 18-year-old broke through a Red defence and fired low and hard – pushing United’s number 24 into a splendid reactionary stop before he made himself big to deny Mateus Fernandes an opportunity from the follow-up.
Amorim looked bewildered on the touchline.
Bruno Fernandes forced a first save from distance from Ramsdale after 35 minutes, with more than a sense of anxiety building inside Old Trafford.
Despite all the expectations of a comfortable home victory, Ivan Juric celebrated his side’s deserved opener with minutes of the half remaining.
Unsurprisingly, it came from another set piece, with Dibling heading onto Manuel Ugarte before the deflection caught the helpless Onana off guard.
Southampton celebrated their first goal from a corner since their return to the top flight, while United bemoaned a tenth conceded during a hideous campaign.
A chorus of boos greeted the whistle for half-time as a frustrated-looking Amorim walked down the tunnel to deliver a scathing review to his team.
Antony replaced Kobbie Mainoo for the restart, slotting into an attacking midfield role with Fernandes dropping deeper into a midfield two.
The Brazilian injected impetus into the attack, coming close within sixty seconds following some fine interplay in the forward line.
But Amorim remained unhappy, opting to introduce Joshua Zirkzee and Toby Collyer for Hojlund and Ugarte after less than ten minutes of the restart.
Compounding the sense of disbelief around Old Trafford, Antony somehow failed to convert an open goal on the hour mark.
Garnacho delivered a perfect ball with the attacker waiting unmarked at the back post before his sliding effort ended in the hands of a thankful-looking Ramsdale.
There was a collective sigh heard as far as Altrincham with faces in hands in every corner.
In transition, the impressive Sulemana continued to threaten with his pace and flair, causing endless issues for a helpless Yoro.
The combination work of Zirkzee and Fernandes supplied a golden opportunity for the latter with ten to play before his effort was superbly denied by the former Arsenal number one.
Some supporters had seen enough and made their way to the exits while those in the media room prepared their reports for a fourth consecutive home defeat.
However, cometh the hour, cometh the man, and as we have seen multiple times in his short career, Amad took matters into his hands a moment later to smash home following fine work in the box.
Old Trafford erupted, and an expectant crowd screamed for a second, as Christian Eriksen and Maguire entered proceedings in a final roll of the Portuguese dice.
Regardless of the fortunes of this team, Old Trafford under floodlights offers a unique experience and a sense of possibility.
As the fourth official signalled five minutes of additional time, a sumptuous Eriksen lofted ball was poked home by the inspirational figure of his Ivorian teammate.
Southampton were visibly distraught and understandably flat. Much to the dismay of their travelling support, the youngster completed his first senior hat trick moments later.
Capitalising on a Taylor Harwood-Bellis sloppy touch in the box, a delirious Stretford End embraced Amad as he celebrated having tapped home from close range.
It was far from pretty, and the performance will leave more questions than answers, but three points is a far better result than many expected entering the final quarter of this bizarre fixture.
Amad Diallo has earned every penny of his contract extension and solidified himself as the player of the season in January.
What did you make of Manchester United under the lights this evening?
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