Exclusive: Utd Legend McIlroy Delighted 'Fearless' Amad Diallo is Dazzling

Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy is convinced the club have unearthed a ‘real gem’ in wonderkid Diallo Amad.

A SPECIAL TALENT

The 22-year-old winger dazzled to help United claim deserved derby day delight by beating fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.

He won a clever penalty which allowed skipper Bruno Fernandes to cancel out Josko Gvardiol’s first-half headed opener, and then scored a fine winner to stun the Blues in the dying stages for a landmark win in new manager Ruben Amorim’s early reign.

“For me, the lad that has really brightened us up this season is Amad,” McIlroy told SportsBoom.com. 

“He’s such a special talent."

“I watched him in pre-season and was very, very impressed, I think he’s been one of our best players. He’s been consistent since pre-season."

“I watched him against Rangers and he was our best attacker and, ever since he’s been in the team, I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen."

“He just looks like a Manchester United player. He loves to get wide and get at people, he produces, he scores and he’s very direct. That’s what Utd fans want to see."

“It makes it even sweeter that he’s come through the ranks at the club, that’s brilliant."

“He plays with freedom and is fearless, it’s great to see. He’s playing the way you’d want a young boy to come into the team, full of confidence and playing with so much freedom."

“He knows what he’s good at, the first thing in his mind is ‘let’s get at the defenders’.

“I think he’s done that brilliantly this season, especially with his assists and the odd goal here and there. 

“He deserved to win the man-of-the-match  award, without a doubt, he made such a great impact. It had such an impact in his first derby.”

MASSIVE CONFIDENCE BOOST

Victory for United was a welcome confidence boost ahead of a mouthwatering Carabao Cup quarter-final away clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.

McIlroy, who famously scored on his Reds’ debut in an epic 3-3 draw with Manchester City, hopes the team can kick on now and hit a purple patch as they look to make up lost ground following an uninspiring start to the season which saw former boss Erik ten Hag sacked.

“To be totally honest it wasn’t the greatest Manchester derby I’ve ever watched in my life, especially for quality,” admitted McIlroy.

“But the result was the most important thing. For the supporters and the new manager it’s a great result. It’s massive."

“Beating City at the Ethiad (Stadium) is a big result, even know they’re playing so bad at the moment."

“In my day winning the derby probably meant more, but you want to win for the supporters."

“The supporters will love that result, especially with City having won four Premier League titles on the bounce."

“OK, everyone knows they’re struggling at the minute, but you’re still got to go to the Ethiad and win the game."

“And the way we won it, so late in the game where there’s no comeback, was even sweeter."

“But Amorim knows that we’re going to have to play a hell of a lot better, and consistently better, to progress where he wants us to be."

“What a boost for them, though! What a boost. It’s a great boost and I’d like to think the team gets a boost from that result and kick on.”