Playing wing-back under Amorim boosts my game — Amad Diallo

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United forward, Amad Diallo has spoken positively about his time playing as a wing-back under manager Ruben Amorim, saying the position significantly improved aspects of his play.

In an interview on Saturday, Diallo stated, “Playing as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim helped me a lot as a player, especially in terms of my energy levels and defensive work rate. I’m happy to have played in that position.”

He further noted that, “Playing up and down, tracking back, defending, gives me a lot of energy on the pitch. I think the right-back/wing-back position, thanks to Amorim, gave me a lot of energy on the pitch. That position helped me a lot as a player, and today I’m so happy to have played in that position.”

Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in late 2024 and quickly installed his preferred 3-4-3 system, which relies heavily on energetic, attack-minded wing-backs.

Amad, signed as a creative winger from Atalanta, was regularly deployed at right wing-back early in the Portuguese coach’s tenure.

He adapted successfully, contributing key assists and goals while developing greater defensive discipline and stamina.

One standout moment came in January 2025 when he scored a dramatic late hat-trick against Southampton—parts of which came while operating in the wing-back role to secure a crucial home win.

Amorim has previously praised Amad’s suitability for the position, highlighting his technical ability, left foot, and capacity to run.

The manager has also said the team needs more players with similar wing-back characteristics to fully optimise the system.

While some supporters questioned the decision to shift an attacking talent into a more demanding hybrid role at times, Diallo’s latest comments suggest he views the experience as beneficial for his overall development.