Manchester United interim manager Ruud Van Nistelrooy sang Amad Diallo’s praises after the winger’s double helped the Red Devils earn their first win in this season’s Europa League, Soccernet.football reports.
Diallo, who had not started for United since October 3, seized his chance by scoring twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory over PAOK in front of a bubbling Old Trafford.
The two goals marked the Ivorian’s first brace for United, with five of his six goals for the club across all competitions scored at Old Trafford.
Interim manager Van Nistelrooy waxed lyrical in Amad’s praise following the full-time whistle. He praised the winger’s incredible attitude despite his lack of playing time.
“I think Amad made a difference for us today obviously, because of his goals, but he was sharp,” Van Nistelrooy told TNT Sports.
“I think in the first half he was also one of the few who was at his level. So well done to him, good game.
“He’s been incredible (in training) actually, every time he was never affected by not playing, always training, always staying on the pitch, always saying ‘Ruud let’s do more’.”
For his second goal on of the, the 22-year-old Ivorian created his own luck. He won the ball back deep in PAOK territory, drove forward, and bent a lovely 20-yard effort into the left-hand side of the goal.
“He made his own goal. Coming inside with the left, getting inside the far post was excellent,” Van Nistelrooy added.
“But I think this is what made the goal, he won his own duel and then took the shot for the goal.”
Van Nistelrooy is set to oversee his last game in charge of United on Sunday, November 10 against Leicester City in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim will then come onboard as permanent head coach from November 11.