When substitute Amad Diallo raced onto the Old Trafford pitch in the dying embers of a pulsating Manchester derby, few could have predicted the indelible mark the 22-year-old Ivorian was about to leave on this historic fixture. With two stunning stoppage-time interventions – winning a penalty and then scoring a sensational solo winner – Diallo wrote his name into Manchester United folklore, handing new manager Ruben Amorim a debut derby win. But was this the greatest performance by an African player in the Manchester showpiece?
African Stars Shine in Manchester Derbies Past
The Manchester derby stage is no stranger to memorable displays from Africa’s finest. Four-time African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure seemed to revel in this cauldron of northwest rivalries, scoring pivotal goals as Manchester City transformed into serial winners in the 2010s, including a famous FA Cup semi-final winner in 2011.
Riyad Mahrez, another former African player of the year, also enjoyed himself in sky blue against United. The Algerian scored two and assisted another in a 4-1 Etihad rout in 2022, having already been part of the infamous 6-3 dismantling earlier that year.
“Mahrez took the game by the scruff of the neck and really made United suffer. On his day, he’s simply unplayable.”
– Former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips
Iheanacho’s Moment in the Sun
Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho also announced himself to the derby in 2016, dovetailing superbly with Kevin De Bruyne to score the winner in a 2-1 triumph over Jose Mourinho’s United. It remains Iheanacho’s only derby goal, but it was an important marker in City’s evolution.
Diallo’s Day of Destiny
But even accounting for those African heroes past, was Diallo’s dynamite display the best of all? With United trailing and time ebbing away, the youngster’s tireless running and alertness first drew a foul from Matheus Nunes to win a pressure penalty, buried by Bruno Fernandes.
If that smart play got United back on terms, what followed was simply breathtaking. Racing onto a long ball, Diallo’s searing pace took him between City’s center-backs. Spying the onrushing Ederson, he audaciously lifted the ball over the keeper, cushioning it perfectly for a sweetly struck side-footed volley into the empty net. Bedlam ensued at the Theatre of Dreams.
Amorim’s Faith Rewarded
Diallo’s majestic match-winning moment was all the more remarkable given question marks over his United future after a difficult start under new boss Amorim. But on this evidence, his infectious energy, direct running and composed finishing look tailor-made for the Portuguese’s system.
“[Diallo]’s been the biggest plus for the new manager, no doubt. He’s had the biggest impact with the penalty and the goal – and he’s a player willing to run forward.”
– Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane
At just 22, Diallo has time on his side to build on this dream derby display. If Amorim can harness that potential, nurturing his talent while keeping him grounded, United may have a new-age African icon on their hands, one capable of leaving an enduring legacy to match the likes of Toure and Mahrez on the other side of Manchester.
One thing’s for certain – this Manchester derby will forever be remembered for Amad Diallo’s stunning stoppage-time show. A defining day for a precocious talent, and a tantalizing glimpse of an exciting future for both player and club. In the pantheon of great African performances in the Battle of Manchester, Diallo’s decisive derby impact is right up there with the very best.
