One Manchester United star was ‘very sad’ to see Ruben Amorim sacked, revealing he had a ‘father-and-son relationship’ with the former head coach.
Amorim was relieved of his duties last Monday after 14 difficult months at Old Trafford, leaving as statistically the worst United manager of the Premier League era.
Throughout his reign, the Portuguese struggled to win over his squad and fell out with various players including Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – with the latter reacting gleefully to news of his dismissal.
But some were saddened to see the 40-year-old depart, maybe none more so than Amad Diallo who joined United in January 2021 but barely played for the club until Amorim’s appointment in November 2024.
The attacking midfielder was repurposed as a right-wingback and made 43 appearances under Amorim, recording 10 goals and 11 assists.
Arguably the best player of the Amorim era, Amad missed the head coach’s final few games as he was away representing the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Stats Perform ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Egypt, the 23-year-old shared his feelings on Amorim’s exit: ‘It was a tough topic.
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‘I was a bit sad because he’s the coach who gave me more visibility and more opportunities to play for Manchester United.
‘I was very sad. I even sent him a message to thank him for everything he did for me, both in my life and especially in my career.
‘I wished him good luck wherever he goes. It was a difficult moment for me, but I’m really focused on Ivory Coast and on this competition. I want to finish well here and try to win this AFCON.
‘We had a very good relationship, almost like a father-and-son relationship. He understood me, gave me a lot of advice, and let me play freely. It’s very unfortunate, but that’s life. You have to adapt, that’s football.
‘I wish him all the best in life and in his next club. My next focus is Ivory Coast. I have to give everything for the country.’
Amad has been one of the star players at AFCON 2025, recording three goals and an assist in four games so far – only Morocco’s Brahim Diaz is ahead in the Golden Boot race.
When he returns to Manchester, Amad is expected to continue playing a big role for United no matter who is in the dugout.
Darren Fletcher will charge of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to hold talks with the club’s hierarchy over becoming interim manager for the second time.
Many names have been linked with the full-time job including Eddie Howe, but the Newcastle United manager reportedly has no interest in the role.
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