Amad Motivated by Stint as Sub, Says Van Nistelrooy
In the world of football, a player’s development often comes down to moments of adversity, challenge, and, above all, resilience. For Amad Diallo, the young Ivorian winger who has been making waves at Manchester United, his career trajectory has been one of both promise and struggle. Diallo’s talent was evident from an early age, but his journey through the ranks of one of the most storied clubs in the world has not been without its bumps. His performances have at times been inconsistent, but according to Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker and now coach of PSV Eindhoven, Amad’s time spent on the bench has played a significant role in shaping his mindset and motivation as a player.
In an insightful reflection on the young Ivorian’s development, Van Nistelrooy offered a perspective that combines empathy with the kind of knowledge that comes from his own experiences as a player who had to fight for his place in some of the world’s most competitive teams. Van Nistelrooy’s comments come at a time when Amad has been showing flashes of brilliance during his loan spell at PSV, suggesting that the “trial by fire” of not being a regular starter at Manchester United may have been the very thing that helped ignite his recent performances.
The Uncertainty of a Young Player’s Journey
Amad Diallo was signed by Manchester United in January 2021 from Italian side Atalanta for an initial £18 million, a fee that could rise to £37 million with add-ons. For a young player with relatively little experience in top-flight football, the move was both a leap of faith for United and a huge opportunity for Amad. At just 18 years old, the Ivorian was thrust into the spotlight, carrying the weight of high expectations on his shoulders.
However, the transition from the Serie A to the Premier League was never going to be seamless. Amad found himself competing for a place in a squad brimming with talent. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Jadon Sancho occupied the attacking spots, leaving the young Ivorian with limited chances to showcase his abilities. He made only a handful of appearances in his first season at Old Trafford, most of them as a substitute, and while flashes of his talent were evident, the consistency that is expected at the highest level of football eluded him.
For a player like Amad, being on the bench for long spells can be difficult to navigate. It is a psychological battle, where the temptation to doubt oneself can become overwhelming. However, as Van Nistelrooy pointed out in an interview, Amad’s reaction to this adversity was not one of frustration or defeat. Instead, the young winger used it as a source of motivation, taking the time spent on the bench as a driving force to work even harder.
Van Nistelrooy’s Perspective: Learning from Adversity
Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the most prolific goal scorers in Premier League history, has first-hand experience of how difficult it can be to break into a starting lineup at a top club. During his time at Manchester United, van Nistelrooy had to fight for his place in the team under Sir Alex Ferguson, a manager known for his high standards and unforgiving nature. Van Nistelrooy, however, was able to turn what might have been perceived as a setback into a motivation to improve.
In speaking about Amad, Van Nistelrooy offered insight into how such experiences can shape a player’s mentality. “When you’re not starting, it’s easy to feel down, but if you have the right mentality, you can turn that frustration into something positive,” Van Nistelrooy said. “You have to use those moments to improve yourself, to keep working hard and be ready for the moment when you get your chance. That’s what defines a true professional.”
For Amad, Van Nistelrooy’s words ring particularly true. The young Ivorian’s attitude during his time as a substitute at Manchester United is widely praised by those who have worked with him. Rather than letting his frustrations get the better of him, Amad appears to have kept his focus on self-improvement, using each training session, each appearance off the bench, as a learning opportunity.
The Importance of Patience and Persistence
One of the key lessons Amad has learned during his time at Manchester United is the importance of patience. In the ultra-competitive environment of top-level football, patience can often be in short supply. Fans and media alike tend to focus on immediate results, and young players can quickly become the subject of intense scrutiny. For Amad, however, the process of waiting for his chance to shine was crucial. And when that chance eventually came, he was ready to make the most of it.
Van Nistelrooy, who now oversees young players at PSV Eindhoven, highlighted how patience is a virtue that every young player must develop in order to thrive at the highest level. “It’s important to keep believing in yourself, even when the opportunities are few,” said Van Nistelrooy. “It’s not about being frustrated or giving up. It’s about using every moment to become better, to prepare for when the manager calls your name.”
This approach was instrumental in Amad’s eventual development. His performances, both in training and during matches, gradually gained the attention of his coaches. Though he remained a substitute for much of his early days at United, Amad’s work ethic and commitment did not go unnoticed. As Van Nistelrooy pointed out, the path to success is rarely linear, especially for young players. It is often filled with moments of doubt and frustration. But it is in those moments that players must decide what kind of professionals they want to be.
The Loan Spell at PSV: A Turning Point
Amad’s decision to leave Manchester United on loan to PSV Eindhoven in 2023, a club with a rich history of developing young talent, has been a turning point in his career. In the Dutch Eredivisie, Amad has found more consistent playing time and has been able to showcase his skills in a more prominent role. Under the guidance of manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amad has flourished. His performances have been marked by creativity, speed, and a growing sense of maturity that was not as evident during his early days in Manchester.
Van Nistelrooy’s belief in Amad’s potential has been evident since the winger arrived at PSV. “Amad is a player with immense talent,” Van Nistelrooy said. “He has all the qualities to succeed, but he needed the right environment to develop. I believe this loan spell has given him the chance to play regularly, to learn, and to grow as a player.”
In the Eredivisie, Amad has been able to adapt to a system that encourages attacking play, giving him the freedom to express himself. His performances in both domestic and European competitions have demonstrated his ability to make a real impact on the pitch. The confidence he gained from playing regularly has allowed him to develop not only his skills but also his understanding of the game.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Amad’s loan spell at PSV Eindhoven has been a resounding success, but the question remains: what does the future hold for him at Manchester United? While his spell in the Netherlands has been productive, many believe that he has the potential to return to Old Trafford and carve out a place for himself in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Van Nistelrooy believes that Amad’s future is bright, both at PSV and beyond. “If he continues to work hard, if he keeps improving and stays focused on his development, he has the potential to be a key player for any top team,” he said. “I have no doubt that he will make a significant impact at Manchester United, should he return.”
For Amad, the road ahead is filled with opportunity. His journey is a reminder that setbacks, be they in the form of limited game time or moments of doubt, do not define a player’s potential. What defines a player is his response to those challenges—the resilience, the commitment, and the will to push forward.
In this sense, Amad’s stint as a substitute at Manchester United was not a period of failure but a crucial moment of learning and growth. Van Nistelrooy’s insights underline the importance of perseverance and patience in the development of young players. With the right mindset, even the most difficult periods can become stepping stones to greatness. And for Amad, the future looks increasingly bright as he continues to rise through the ranks.