Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has said that he is expecting big things from Amad Diallo during the 2024-25 campaign, with the attacker expected to be a key part of the Red Devils squad.
The 22-year-old starred in Man United's 2-0 win over Rangers on Saturday, finding the back of the net in the team's second pre-season match of the summer with a cool finish.
Amad was a regular for the Red Devils in the latter stages of last season, featuring in the team's final seven Premier League matches, although he was an unused substitute for the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag has said that "this has to be the year" for the Ivory Coast international to kick on at the club.
"We have to see Amad in a different way. Of course, he's still young but he is not inexperienced any more. Last season he had bad times with bad injuries," Ten Hag told MUTV.
"Before that he was in the Championship and he had a great season. At the end of last season, he had a very good time in our first team and played some good games. Now for this season, this has to be the year."
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Ten Hag pleased with much-improved performance
Ten Hag was critical of his side's performance in their 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg last week, but the Dutchman said that Saturday's clash with Rangers was a huge improvement.
"Pre-season is friendlies and I want to win every game so I was very disappointed on Monday, especially with the performance. That is even more important in pre-season – the performance," he added.
"You want to grow and that is what we have seen today in comparison with Monday, which was a low standard. Today was much better, especially in the prospect of aggressiveness, which was much better. We were much more on the front foot and it was a team [effort] in both halves so, yeah, it was enjoyable to watch.
"Joe Hugill is different, that is a player, a young player, who we had much more today on the pitch. I have to say, they were both mixed teams, it was enjoyable to watch, I'm very happy; I'm pleased of course with some performances from some young players."
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Ten Hag says Man United are "on the front foot" in the transfer market
Man United kicked off their summer spending by bringing in Joshua Zirkzee last weekend, while Leny Yoro's arrival from Lille was confirmed on Thursday, and the latter made his debut against Rangers, playing the opening 45 minutes of the contest.
The Red Devils are also said to be advancing on a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte, and Ten Hag has welcomed his side being "on the front foot" in the market.
"It is very good that we are also there on the front foot, we are very proactive so [the] leadership is doing a great job in this moment and that's, I think, how we want to act as United," he added.
"We are highly ambitious and you have to be on the front foot and be ready for the season. The earlier you get your players in then you can work on your team."
Man United are now preparing to head to the United States for their pre-season tour, which will see them take on Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.
Matt Law
