Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones believes Amad Diallo will continue to be a key player for the club under new head coach Ruben Amorim, following his impressive performances last season and this campaign.
Jones, who retired from football in 2023 after leaving United, recalled how challenging it was to face Diallo in training due to his blistering pace and skill. The 22-year-old Ivorian forward has already established himself as an exciting talent at Old Trafford, and Jones was quick to predict that he would play a significant role in the team’s future. Diallo’s positive and direct style of play has earned him the admiration of fans and coaches alike, and Jones sees him as one of the standout players for the club moving forward.
Amad Diallo’s rise at United has been marked by a series of notable performances. Last season, he made an impact during Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief spell as interim manager, contributing two goals and an assist in his final two matches. This season, Diallo has started nine of his 16 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His energetic and forward-thinking style of play has been one of the highlights of United’s attack, and fans are hoping he will continue to impress under Amorim’s stewardship.
Jones, who is now pursuing a career in coaching, spoke highly of Diallo’s qualities, particularly his quickness with the ball. “Amad is a terrific player,” Jones said in an interview with *The Mirror*. “I love watching him, but I hated playing against him in training. He’s so quick with the ball.” Jones also highlighted a standout moment from Diallo’s early career at United, recalling the 2023 FA Cup match against Liverpool, where the young winger scored a late winner. “I remember saying then that this guy would play a huge part next season, and I think I’m being proved right,” Jones added, referring to his belief in Diallo’s potential.
The former United defender also shared his thoughts on the club’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, and his potential to succeed at Old Trafford. Amorim, who officially took charge of United this season, will oversee his first match against Ipswich Town on Sunday. Jones expressed optimism about the appointment, noting that Amorim’s fresh perspective and understanding of the players could bring a much-needed balance to the squad. “The new manager has come in, he’s young, fresh, and I think he’ll have a really good understanding of the players,” Jones said. “I’m really excited about it. I’m sure the players are, too.”
Looking ahead to the future, Jones believes that the current squad has the talent to succeed under Amorim, but that it will take time to find the right balance and get the best out of the individual players. “We’ve got some tremendous talent in the squad,” Jones said. “It’s about finding the balance, and getting the best out of those individual players and understanding them as people and the roles and responsibilities they’re going to have within the team.”
As Amorim takes the reins at United, fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on how Diallo’s development progresses under the new manager. Given his early promise, it looks as though the Ivorian forward will be an important part of United’s future under Amorim’s guidance.