Amad Diallo admitted he had been “unlucky” not to play more at Manchester United after making the most of his opportunity tonight with a brace in a 2-0 win over PAOK.
The Ivory Coast winger has started just four league games this season with the now sacked Erik ten Hag preferring other options down the right.
Ten Hag’s judgement looked distinctly flawed as Amad turned in a virtuoso display to help United to a first win in the Europa League this season, their first in continental competition in over a year and a second under interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
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The former Sunderland loanee told TNT Sports: “It’s been a long time since we won in Europe. Today we showed why we are one of the best teams. It was important to win today.
“It is important to score every time. This season I have been unlucky so I am happy to score two today. But the most important thing was to win.
“I like to celebrate with the fans and make people happy.”
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Ruud praises Amad
Van Nistelrooy singled out Amad for praise afterwards, saying: “He made a difference today, because of his goals but he was very sharp. Well done to him, good game.
“He has been incredible in training, he always trains well and is asking me to do more.”
United laboured in the first half with PAOK carrying the greater threat. The Greeks ought to have levelled at 1-1 in the second half as well but Tarik Tissoudali wasted a gilt-edged chance just after the hour mark.
‘A pretty poor first half’
Van Nistelrooy added: ”It was a pretty poor first half if I’m being nice. The second half way was better. That was clear.
“I said to the lads before the game that it was a year ago since the last European win at Old Trafford. We couldn’t believe it. It was time to turn it around, build and change. It’s a big period at the club.
“For me it was important to get results. I can only be happy with the performance that the players put in.”
