In a 1-1 tie with Ipswich, a United young player displays slick playmaking ability with 91% passing and 2/2 long balls

On Sunday, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United team was held to a 1-1 tie with Ipswich Town at Portman Road in his debut game as manager.

Man United had plenty of neat passes and had many bursts of possession, but they were unable to create much of a danger in front of goal, matching the home team with 11 shots each.

Although Amorim’s players may still require some time to get used to his style of play, Amad Diallo is one player who seems to have fit right in.

Amad, who started as the right wing-back in Amorim’s favored 3-4-3 shape, had an instant influence on the game. He and Bruno Fernandes executed a beautiful one-two before Marcus Rashford up top threaded an advantageous through ball. Rashford gave United the lead in the first ninety seconds of play by tapping the ball into the net with ease after Amad’s deft feed.

Amad appeared poised to assist on another goal a little later in the first half. After losing his target while sprinting up the right wing, he clipped a pass back to Christian Eriksen, who was standing on the edge of the box, waiting. Eriksen’s attempt, regrettably, missed the mark.

Amad had a 91% passing accuracy rate, with 40 of his 44 passes finding their target. He demonstrated his inventiveness as a wing playmaker by delivering two crucial passes.

Amad finished both of his long balls, but neither of his two crosses were precise.

Amad won four of his seven ground battles and completed two of five dribbles. He also prevailed in his lone air battle.

Amad also made two attempts, one of which was blocked and the other on target.

Amad made five clearances while tracking back in defense, demonstrating a respectable level of focus.

Amad was not one of the several United attackers who found it difficult to break through the Ipswich defense. Considering that he played a deeper position than usual, this is even more impressive.

It is evident from this performance that Amorim’s system is a perfect fit for Amad. As he attempts to build some momentum, the Portuguese manager would be wise to rely on the gifted winger, or wing-back.