Amad rescues Manchester United
Manchester United 3 - 1 Southampton
Amad Diallo delivered a sensational late hat-trick to help Manchester United snatch an unlikely victory over Southampton at Old Trafford, turning what looked set to be a humiliating defeat into a thrilling comeback.
United had been on the verge of a fourth consecutive top-flight home loss—their worst run at Old Trafford since 1930. Struggling to break down a Southampton side that had only one league win all season and were reeling from a 5-0 thrashing by Brentford, the Reds seemed destined for more misery.
But Diallo, fresh from signing a new five-and-a-half-year contract just a week earlier, had other plans.
Initially deployed as a wing-back, the Ivorian was moved into a more attacking role and completely transformed the game. With nine minutes remaining, he drew United level by bursting into the box, benefiting from a fortunate ricochet, and firing the loose ball past Aaron Ramsdale.
In stoppage time, Diallo struck again. Latching onto Christian Eriksen's delicate chipped pass, he coolly guided a first-time effort beyond Ramsdale.
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The hat-trick was completed moments later when Taylor Harwood-Bellis failed to control a pass from Ramsdale. He pounced on the mistake, stealing the ball from the former Manchester City defender and slotting it into an empty net to seal a first senior treble in unforgettable style.
A closer look at the impact of what happened
It was far from a straightforward evening, but this hard-fought victory lifted them above three London clubs into 12th place, building on their FA Cup triumph over Arsenal at the weekend. For Ivan Juric and Southampton, the result was a bitter blow, leaving them 10 points adrift of safety.
Alejandro Garnacho missed a golden opportunity to give United an early lead, but that was one of the few chances for Ruben Amorim's hesitant side. In contrast, Southampton looked the stronger team during a first half where only Andre Onana emerged with credit for the hosts.
United's goalkeeper was exceptional, denying the lively Kamaldeen Sulemana—who gave Leny Yoro a torrid time—and pulling off a stunning double save to thwart Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes. However, Onana could do nothing to stop Ugarte’s unfortunate own goal.
Southampton, previously the only team in the Premier League yet to score from a corner, exploited United’s set-piece vulnerability, with this marking the tenth goal they’ve conceded from such situations. Sulemana came close to doubling their advantage shortly after.
When substitute Antony somehow missed an open goal, the atmosphere at Old Trafford turned grim. But once again, Amad Diallo rose to the occasion. While others faltered, Amad thrived under the pressure, constantly seeking the ball, creating space, and driving United forward.
His impact was enough to secure three crucial points against a Southampton side that ultimately crumbled, consistent with a team that has managed just one league win all season. While Amorim won’t be entirely satisfied with the overall performance, he can take heart from the team’s resilience and, more importantly, the growing confidence of Amad, who continues to shine as a beacon of hope.
Amorim, still settling into the role, would have faced significant scrutiny had United lost. For now, he can breathe easier, knowing he has a player who seems to grow stronger with every game.
