“A dream to work with” – Carrick raves about Man Utd star who remains ‘massive’ despite bench role

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick almost ran out of superlatives when praising Amad Diallo and his great impact on the club.

The Ivorian cemented himself as a regular starter during Ruben Amorim’s praise, and was even the standout performer in the first few months under the Portuguese manager. Bruno Fernandes hailed Amad as ‘unstoppable’ following his late heroics in the comeback victory over Manchester City in December 2024.

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This season, the 23-year-old’s attacking role somewhat diminished under Amorim, as he moved to the wing-back position to accommodate Bryan Mbeumo and the other new arrivals. Nevertheless, he returned to his original role as a right winger following Carrick’s appointment in January.

After starting in each of Carrick’s first six matches in charge, Amad was relegated to the bench against Crystal Palace . This decision was prompted by Benjamin Sesko’s red-hot form, but the Ivorian’s underwhelming display against Everton in the previous week had also encouraged the manager to pull the trigger.

Nevertheless, Carrick only had words of praise for the Atalanta youth product, insisting that he remain a ‘massive’ part of his plans, even if he’ll have to compete for a starting place.

“I think the competition in terms of pushing each other performance-wise is important because it just pushes the level up and keeps you on your edge,” said the 44-year-old in his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Newcastle.

“It’s not as if from week to week that all of a sudden we’re really a fan of certain players and then the next week you’re on the bench, and we don’t like you anymore. It’s really not that. It’s a little bit on certain games, certain types, certain strengths.

“Amad has been massive for us. It’s not a major downside that he didn’t start (against Palace). He’s a big player for us. I think that’s our approach to it, and the boys have been fantastic,” added Carrick.

Amad Diallo warms up at Old Trafford before kick-off. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“I know we’ve ended up keeping a consistent team, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t change things around and that it means there’s a big fallout or someone’s had a bad game so they’re out of the team. It’s not necessarily that at all.

“The boys have been really good with that and the flexibility and the rotations, we can change things about a little bit, which is great for us to have.

Carrick was also greatly pleased with Amad’s impact off the bench against Palace, as he appeared hellbent on leaving his mark on the game. The manager also praised the Ivorian for his willingness to do the dirty work.

“He’s such a dream to work with. His attitude, he’s so positive, he wants to learn, he wants to keep pushing. He asks for more, ‘What can I do more? How can I improve?’ He’s desperate to do well, and he’s been a huge part of the team.

“Sometimes it’s the eye-catching bits and the bits that we know he can bring, and other times it’s his work off the ball and defending. That’s huge to be able to do that for that type of player, really. He’s got a lot of attributes.

“The way he came against Palace didn’t surprise me because he’s been so positive all week so I’ve been really happy.”

With Sesko, Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all producing good displays in recent weeks, Carrick could be tempted to keep his attacking choices intact.

That being said, Amad will certainly get his opportunity sooner rather than later, and Carrick’s laish praise left no doubt about it.