Manchester United were ousted from the League Cup following a 4-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-final on Thursday night.
The Red Devils impressed with their attacking performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but they were let down by poor defending.
Despite the result, there were some positives to carry forward from the tie.
Manuel Ugarte produced another solid performance in the centre of the park, while Joshua Zirkzee scored after replacing Rasmus Hojlund.
Bruno Fernandes also worked hard as usual and created the goal for Zirkzee.
However, Amad Diallo was the standout performer after an exceptional 43-minute cameo.
The Ivorian was the game-changer against Manchester City last weekend. He won a penalty before scoring the winner just 115 seconds later.
Diallo started on the bench yesterday, with manager Ruben Amorim opting to rotate. It was a massive blunder.
Antony did not offer anything going forward in the playmaker position. The Brazilian failed to test the goalkeeper with no shots.
He was replaced by Diallo when United were trailing 3-0. The 22-year-old continued from where he left off.
Diallo bagged the club’s second goal after a superb press on goalkeeper Fraser Forster. He also contributed a late assist.
He had five scoring attempts with two on target. He completed 100 percent of his long balls and made two recoveries.
Diallo received an 8/10 rating from Manchester Evening News.
The Atalanta graduate is finally living up to his potential. He is becoming untouchable with the way he has been playing.
Amorim has preferred to rotate his players, but starting Diallo on the bench was probably a negative decision.
Diallo has been United’s best player under his tutelage, and he should have started alongside Fernandes behind the striker.
United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday. Diallo will undoubtedly make the starting XI.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
