AMAD DIALLO could be the first major winner of Rubem Amorim’s reign.
The Ivorian right-winger is tipped to start ahead of big names in Amorim‘s first match in charge of Manchester United at Ipswich on Sunday, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those under pressure.
And there’s also a chance Diallo will take on a new role for the Pem trip.
United’s new Portuguese boss Amorim is already understood to have made major decisions about certain stars – after just a week of training.
That includes some players he reckons won’t fit into his preferred 3-4-3 system, as used in four years at Sporting Lisbon.
This weekend’s main selection concern is likely to concern the front three.
And it’s thought Diallo’s workrate, as well as his team ethic, give him the edge over widemen with arguably more flair but less consistency – such as Garnacho and Antony.
So the former Sunderland loanee, 22, might finally be in pole position to hold down a regular spot on the right wing for the Red Devils.
Amorim perhaps hinted as much by saying: “The team is the most important thing for me.
“If you work as a team, then the talent individually is going to shine.”
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The 39-year-old rated “running back” and “character” as other priorities.
Diallo played the whole game last time out for United, a 3-0 Prem home win over Leicester on November 10.
Ruud van Nistelrooy bowed out on that, giving him three victories and a draw in his four-match stint as interim chief.
And Diallo’s hopes of retaining his spot have been boosted by another factor.
Amorim prefers playing three in defence – whereas United’s full-backs are more used to playing in a four-man rearguard.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui took those slots, right and left respectively, against the Foxes.
Meanwhile, left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are finally in full training again after long-term injuries.
But Diallo has impressed Amorim at Carrington with his hard graft.
That means he might also be in contention for a starting position wide in midfield when the 13th-place Red Devils travel to Ipswich in 17th.
Amorim’s new squad have been impressed with his Jose Mourinho levels of “confidence”.
So the big question this weekend is: How much self-belief will he have to launch an instant shake-up with Diallo and all?
Here's how SunSport's Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6
Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.
CASEMIRO – 7
Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.
MANUEL UGARTE – 6
Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.
AMAD DIALLO – 7
Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?
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