Amad Diallo is dealing with mixed emotions while on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast, after Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim. Amad described a relationship close to family with Amorim,
yet stressed that attention now stays on Ivory Coast’s title defence as the team prepares to meet Egypt in the quarter-finals.
News of the sacking reached Amad inside the national team camp and affected preparation for that Egypt tie. Amad told Stats Perform that processing the change at Manchester United was not simple emotionally. "It was a tough topic," Amad told Stats Perform, reflecting on how the timing clashed with a crucial international tournament.
Amad expanded on the impact Amorim had on both personal and professional development at Manchester United, explaining how trust from a head coach changed playing time and confidence levels. "I was a bit sad because hes 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 Im really focused on Ivory Coast and on this competition. I want to finish well here and try to win this AFCON. "
Amad also spoke about the style of guidance received from Amorim, highlighting how freedom on the pitch suited Amad’s attacking instincts. "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. Its very unfortunate, but thats life. You have to adapt, thats 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. "
On the field, Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United in November 2024 coincided with a rise in Amad’s Premier League influence. Across 34 league appearances under Amorim, Amad scored nine goals and provided seven assists. Only Bruno Fernandes bettered those figures in that period, with 13 goals and 15 assists, while Amad completed more dribbles than any team-mate, totalling 59.
The wider picture around Amorim’s dismissal, however, was shaped by Manchester United’s overall league form. Amorim left the club on Monday after comments that appeared critical of the hierarchy following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United. During the Premier League spell in charge, Amorim recorded a 32% win rate, conceded 1.53 goals per game, and kept clean sheets in only 15% of matches.
Those numbers marked the lowest win percentage, worst defensive average, and fewest clean sheets for any Manchester United manager in the Premier League era. That context framed the club’s decision, even as individuals such as Amad and Bruno Fernandes delivered strong attacking returns. The contrast between personal progress and collective inconsistency underlined Amad’s emotional reaction to Amorim’s exit.
It's an absolute rocket! Watch all of @AmadDiallo_19's United goals so far, as we mark five years since he arrived at our clubManchester United (@ManUtd) January 7, 2026
Amad Diallo Manchester United future amid coaching uncertainty
While Amad concentrates on Ivory Coast’s AFCON campaign, Manchester United have moved into a caretaker phase. Darren Fletcher oversaw the Premier League match against Burnley on Wednesday and is among internal options, alongside Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, being mentioned for a temporary role while long-term plans are assessed.
Reports in England indicate that Manchester United intend to appoint a permanent head coach in the summer window. Early candidates linked with the position include Gareth Southgate and Oliver Glasner, as the club evaluates profiles and experience. For Amad, though, immediate goals lie with Ivory Coast, before returning to a Manchester United side undergoing another managerial transition.
