MANCHESTER, England — As Manchester United gears up for a new chapter with Ruben Amorim set to take the helm, 22-year-old Amad Diallo provided the perfect audition for his future boss in a thrilling Europa League clash against PAOK FC. Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amad scored both goals to secure a crucial 2-0 victory for United, marking their first triumph in European competition in over a year.

Amad’s contributions came at a pivotal time. After being sidelined during Erik ten Hag's rollercoaster tenure—where his potential often went unrecognized—the Ivorian winger made an explosive return to the starting lineup. His first goal, a powerful header, broke the deadlock early in the second half, and his second goal was a stunning curling shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area. This performance not only showcased his talent but also his determination to cement his place as a key player for the club.

“Amad is a great character and a hard worker who shows it in every training session. He constantly seeks to improve and lives a professional lifestyle,” van Nistelrooy praised, clearly impressed by Amad's work ethic and attitude. He continued, “The second goal had everything that’s good about Amad Diallo—his perseverance to win the ball and quality in taking the shot.”

Despite this standout performance, questions linger around Amad’s future role under Amorim. The new head coach is known for his tactical approach, typically favoring a 3-4-3 formation that doesn’t traditionally accommodate out-and-out wingers. As professional football often demands versatility, Amad may need to adapt his game, potentially stepping into one of the wing-back positions—which would entail greater defensive duties.

There are also concerns among other key players, such as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, about how their roles may shift with Amorim's strategic systems. These changes are part and parcel of football management, creating an air of uncertainty as the Red Devils prepare for another season of challenges.

While van Nistelrooy necessarily addressed the team's shaky first-half performance—PAOK had more shots on target during that period—Amad stood out as a beacon of hope. His urgent runs and tactical awareness kept United’s hopes alive, culminating in a vital victory that could prove significant for both his career and the team's trajectory in the coming weeks.

With Amorim officially taking his position on Monday and the next Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt lurking on the horizon, both Amad and van Nistelrooy find themselves at a crossroads, hopeful that their commendable performances lead them to bigger roles in the unfolding narrative of Manchester United's revival. Keep an eye out—this new era might just be turning the tide!