Amad's hat-trick rescues Man United against Southampton
Amad’s contribution continued his impressive form, with five goals and five assists in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
A stunning late hat-trick from Amad Diallo inspired Manchester United to a 3-1 comeback win over Southampton at Old Trafford, maintaining Ruben Amorim's side's promising start to the new year.
United looked set for disappointment after trailing for most of the second half following a Manuel Ugarte own goal, but Amad's brilliance in the closing stages turned the game on its head and secured a vital three points.
Southampton, rooted to the bottom of the table, were the better team for much of the first hour.
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Kamaldeen Sulemana tested André Onana early with a powerful shot in the 12th minute, and the United goalkeeper was forced into an impressive double save to deny Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes later in the half.
Despite being second-best in the opening period, United nearly took the lead through Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine winger latched onto Rasmus Højlund's low cross but failed to hit the target, firing wide.
Southampton's dominance eventually paid off in the 35th minute, though not in the way they would have expected. A corner from Mateus Fernandes was flicked on by Dibling and inadvertently deflected off Ugarte into his own net, leaving Onana helpless.
United's struggles from set-pieces this season were highlighted again, with the team now having conceded 10 goals from corners in the Premier League, the joint-most alongside Wolves.
The second half began with Southampton continuing to frustrate United, and the home side wasted a golden opportunity to equalise in the 59th minute. Garnacho's break set up substitute Antony, but the Brazilian's scuffed shot landed straight into the arms of Aaron Ramsdale when it seemed easier to score.
With time running out, Amad stepped up. The 22-year-old picked up the ball on the right flank, drove towards goal, and after his initial shot was blocked by Kyle Walker-Peters, calmly slotted home on the rebound to level the match.
Amad's second goal, just minutes later, came after a clever one-two with Christian Eriksen, who chipped the ball delicately over Southampton's defence for Amad to volley in spectacularly.
The Ivorian completed his hat-trick in dramatic fashion when Taylor Harwood-Bellis gifted him possession in the penalty area, allowing Amad to finish with ease and seal the win.
Speaking after the match, Amad reflected on his performance, saying: "In football, you have to believe. I'm very happy for the win because this team deserved it. We showed we were the better side in the end. I'm ready to play any position the manager wants, whether it's as a No 10 or a wing-back. I'm just here to fight for the club."
Amad's contribution continued his impressive form, with five goals and five assists in his last 11 Premier League appearances.
It may not have been the most convincing display from Manchester United, but it was a night to remember for their young hero, whose star continues to rise.
