Man Utd stuck gold on “monster” star

There’s no denying that Manchester United’s forward line hasn’t lived up to expectations this season, massively restricting Ruben Amorim from reaching the next level with the current side.

The club have only registered 28 goals in the 24 Premier League outings to date, with only four sides registering fewer, three of which currently sit in the relegation zone.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee set the hierarchy back over £100m, but have only scored five of those goals combined, highlighting the lack of threat at the top end of the pitch.

The Red Devils’ shortage of goals has been so bad that the boss decided to start midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in a false nine role in the defeat against Crystal Palace – with the 40-year-old crying out for investment this summer.

However, one player has been a shining light in attacking areas over the last couple of months, with it being hard to imagine where the side would be if it wasn’t for his vital contributions.

Amad Diallo’s stats for United in 2024/25

Winger Amad Diallo joined United way back in January 2021, costing a whopping £37m from Serie A side Atalanta – certainly being one for the future.

Fast-forward four years, the Ivorian has established himself as a regular starter under Amorim after previous boss Erik ten Hag mainly utilised the 22-year-old as an impact player.

He’s started 15 games since the former Sporting CP boss took the reins back in November, nearly more than double the tally he registered during the first few months of 2024/25 under the Dutchman.

He’s subsequently registered nine goals and seven assists

across all competitions, with his tally of 16 the second most in the first-team squad, only trailing captain Bruno Fernandes.

However, despite his impressive form at Old Trafford, Amad is still valued less than one other youngster who’s made huge strides in his development over the last couple of years.

The United player who’s worth 2x more than Amad

Back in October 2020, United forked out £100k to sign Atlético Madrid youngster Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentine youngster originally linking up with the academy side the North West.

He starred massively for the U18 side, registering 20 goals in 35 appearances, even helping them claim the FA Youth Cup on home soil against Nottingham Forest in 2022/23.

That season would also be his breakthrough into the first team, making 34 appearances across all competitions that year, registering five goals and four assists – a superb tally for a teenager making his first steps into the professional game.

The now 20-year-old has already amassed over 120 appearances for the Red Devils, starring off the left-hand side, producing countless impressive finishes and cementing his place as a regular starter under Amorim.

However, it’s not been without struggle, subsequently having to adapt his game given the 40-year-old likes to operate with a 3-4-2-1 system that features two 10s rather than wingers.

Despite the switch, Garnacho, who’s previously been dubbed a “monster” by one analyst, has still registered 14 combined goals and assists in his 37 appearances, with his market value spiking as a result of his impressive form in the final third.

He was valued at £55m by the club in January amid interest from Chelsea and Napoli, with the subsequent figure higher than the market value of Amad, who’s only valued at just £20.8m by Transfermarkt, despite his recent run in the side.

Both players have impressed in what has been a disappointing campaign for the club all-round, with Amorim potentially having one eye on next season as he looks to make the changes he wants.

However, Garnacho and Amad will remain vital components of the attacking department, needing to build around the pair in the final third, with the youngsters having the potential to star at Old Trafford for the next decade given their tender ages.