I was at Old Trafford to watch Manchester United take on Newcastle United on Wednesday night, and it’s safe to say I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw.
Heading down the familiar settings of Warwick Road, I had an existential feeling of dread as we faced Eddie Howe’s side.
The uninspired result against Arsenal at the weekend prior gave me little to no hope that Manchester United’s first team squad would indeed show up against the Magpies.
What was I treated to? Some brilliant football. In spells, Manchester United were definitely in a groove, and ultimately dominated for most of the clash – which led to a 3-2 victory in the Premier League.
Two of the standout performers on the night were clear for all to see, and Erik ten Hag owes them a big apology.
Sofyan Amrabat: Where’s this warrior been all this season?
Wow. What a performance by Sofyan Amrabat. The Moroccan, who’d only featured for a measly 772 minutes all season before the Premier League clash against Arsenal, has proven his doubters wrong – and then some.
He was everywhere. Every tackle, block, interception – you best believe the Fiorentina loanee was there. But this ultimately begs the question, where has this guy been all season?
Initially played as a makeshift full-back, Amrabat was seemingly shunned by the Manchester United manager for some time, deemed untrustworthy by his superior. Very similar to another standout name on the night.
Amad Diallo proving Erik ten Hag wrong… again
Like Amrabat, another player starved of minutes by Ten Hag for seemingly no reason – it’s Amad Diallo. The little Ivorian got his first Premier League goal against the Geordies, and lord what a strike it was.
Bruno Fernandes tried so many times all night to pick out Amad just inside the box from corners on his stronger favoured foot. Many were pinpoint passes, but the winger couldn’t connect properly.
It was actually a deflected corner when the magic came off. Diallo struck it beautifully and it flew past a helpless former Manchester United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka into the net.
Aside from his goal, he was great all night. Amad dribbled at defenders, worked hard and ultimately, was better than what we’ve had on the right wing all season. He also got the praise of pundits. Which surely means…
They should both start against Man City in the FA Cup Final
I think the duo have justified a spot in the starting XI for the FA Cup Final against Manchester City.
Amrabat’s tough tackling nature is needed in a game of such intensity and importance and could be the difference on the day.
As for Diallo, he creates an avenue on the right-hand side, which means the Red Devils aren’t forced to follow the usual path of the Alejandro Garnacho route.
Commendable performances on both – that deserve to be rewarded. See you at Wembley.