Rubem Amorim succeeded Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss last month, knowing there’s no easy fix, but after today’s remarkable derby win, he can at least highlight one success story so far.
Despite their recent poor form, few expected United to secure a positive result against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, who came into this 195th meeting with their neighbours having secured one success from ten played (including seven losses).
In a somewhat lacklustre derby, the bragging rights sensationally returned to Old Trafford, as the Red Devils came from behind to run out 2-1 winners.
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It seemed unlikely that United would find a way back into the game, but Amad Diallo, arguably their best performer, drew a foul that led to an 88th-minute penalty. Skipper Bruno Fernandes successfully converted the penalty, and just moments later, Diallo was ready to receive a long ball from Lisandro Martinez. With a neat first touch, he created the time and space needed to turn the game around.
There is no doubt that Diallo has been United’s standout player in the current Amorim premiership. Since Amorim took charge, Diallo has directly contributed to six Premier League goals, providing four assists and scoring twice. Only Mohamed Salah has a better record, with five goals and three assists. Diallo boasts the highest number of assists in the Premier League (four), not including the penalty he won today.
On this form, very few players can match him, though consistency is key. Diallo has long been seen as United’s next breakout star. With a manager who has supported him since day one—utilizing him as a wing-back before converting him into one of United’s two attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1 formation—it may not be long before he is mentioned alongside Cole Palmer, Salah, and Bukayo Saka.
It's the Etih-Amad now. 🙃
Amad Diallo came in clutch in the Manchester derby to secure all three points for Utd despite them being behind in the 85th minute.
◉ 86' Wins the penalty
◉ 90' Scores the winnerAmad for Man Utd:
◉ Most passes in final third (16)
◉ Most… pic.twitter.com/shUWJK6NyB— Squawka (@Squawka) December 15, 2024
That opening goal came just moments before half-time in a familiar scenario. A recycled corner fell to Kevin De Bruyne, and his deflected cross found Josko Gvardiol, who nodded it home from eight yards out.
With this effort, the Croatian international has eight Premier League goals in 2024, making him the highest-scoring defender this calendar year. Remarkably, all six of his previous goals in England’s top division had been scored away from home before today. He has also cemented his position as City’s second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League this season.
As the investigation into United’s third consecutive Premier League loss under Amorim begins, it becomes evident that they have conceded four goals from set-pieces during these defeats. Additionally, only Wolves (9) and Southampton (6) have allowed more goals from corners this season than United, who have conceded four goals (excluding Man United’s total of eight).
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“United’s record against corners has been awful. There was a little bit of fortune. It dropped perfectly onto his head from the deflection. Corners are again the problem against Manchester United,” lamented former captain and pundit Gary Neville during Sky Sports commentary.
This season, United have conceded a league-high 42% of their Premier League goals from corners (8/19). Andreas Georgson was appointed as United’s set-piece coach during the summer and remained a part of Amorim’s backroom staff, even after most of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team left. Recently, it was announced that Carlos Fernandes has taken over the responsibility for coaching set pieces.
When asked about this change, Amorim explained, “The reasoning is that Carlos is responsible for set pieces and other various tasks. Andreas is also there to assist. That’s it. That’s the reason.” United, with the advantage of two minds on set-pieces, should not be among the worst teams in the league at defending these situations, but there is only so much that coaches can accomplish.