“I’m not downgrading Arsenal but If Man United start that particular player against them, then they’re not only going to lose but they’ll be humiliated”: Alan Shearer backs Man United to thrash Arsenal but only if they start ONE particular player
After their emphatic win over Everton at Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim and Manchester United have shot up to ninth in the Premier League table.
Amorim secured his first league win as Man United boss against Everton, a game that was dominated by the home side on Sunday afternoon.
Sean Dyche’s side started reasonably well, creating one or two opportunities, but the enthusiasm and quality of this United side soon then took over.
Amorim reshuffled his team once again and chose Joshua Zirkzee as his number nine – a player a lot of fans had already written off.
Bruno Fernandes was in a slightly more advanced role and Marcus Rashford was also benefitting from playing off of a central striker, too.
Alan Shearer says Amad Diallo was a ‘constant threat’ against Everton
That being said, when speaking on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast, it was a different United star who Alan Shearer chose as his Player of the Match.
Shearer was left blown away by the quality and attitude of Amad Diallo, who was once again playing as a right wing-back.
Diallo cost United upwards of £19m when he arrived in 2021, and it now seems as if fans at Old Trafford are about to see the best of the 22-year-old.
Speaking on the podcast, Shearer thought Diallo had already understood Amorim’s game plan perfectly.
Shearer said: “Amad Diallo was absolutely outstanding on the right-hand side. He was fantastic – player of the match. He was a constant threat.
“His work-rate, his attitude, his understanding of what his manager wants from him in that position is brilliant.”
Ruben Amorim shares how Amad Diallo still needs to improve
Speaking shortly after Sunday’s win, Amorim was also extremely complimentary about Diallo, but still earmarked one area in which he needs to improve.
United will be missing two players against Arsenal owing to suspension, and they’ll need the likes of Diallo to step up even further in midweek for what will prove to be Amorim’s biggest challenge yet.
Speaking about Diallo’s performance, Amorim said: “He is really big in talent, but small in size. He did a great job but he also has to improve. He was really good again.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy helped him a lot in his games in charge and now he’s helping me. He’s in a great moment, but that moment started with Ruud. So I just take advantage of Ruud’s work with Amad.
“ He was really good defending and really good attacking so he has to continue to play like that.
“You could feel it in the end of the game he was really, really tired so we have to manage that and increase his physical ability.
“I’d like to take credit for [his pressing], but that’s him. He’s like that. He’s smart. He’s explosive.”
