Amad Diallo justifies €41m price tag with stunning FA Cup winner

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 17 Mar 2024 18:39 GMT
• 4 min read

Amad Diallo scored an extra-time winner to send Manchester United to Wembley after a comeback 4-3 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The Ivorian has barely featured since returning from his loan spell at Sunderland last season, but he stepped up when it mattered most with a fantastic finish to book Man Utd’s place at Wembley.

After a poor touch from Harvey Elliot following a Liverpool corner, Alejandro Garnacho launched a lightning-quick counter-attack and he squared the ball to Amad, who touched it past Conor Bradley and fired an inch-perfect finish into the far corner of Caoimhin Kelleher’s net.

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The goal was only Amad’s second in a Man Utd shirt, with his first coming versus AC Milan way back in November 2021.

The Ivorian was even sent off after netting the winner against Liverpool after being shown a second yellow card for removing his shirt when celebrating his goal.

Scott McTominay had opened the scoring for Man Utd before a quick-fire double from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah ensured Liverpool went into half-time with a 2-1 lead.

Antony then produced a brilliant right-footed equaliser, which was followed by a Harvey Elliot strike in extra-time. Marcus Rashford made it 3-3 in the 112th minute before Amad scored a 121st minute winner.

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How much did Amad Diallo cost?

Amad cost Man Utd an initial €21 million from Atalanta, although the deal included a further €20m in possible add-ons. He had made just a handful of senior appearances before moving to Old Trafford.

He scored 14 goals and provided four assists in all competitions on loan at Sunderland last season as he led the Black Cats to the play-off semi-finals in a fantastic loan move.

However, a knee injury in pre-season ensured Amad has mostly been unable to contribute since returning to Old Trafford. The Ivorian is now back to full fitness and he has been an unused substitute in six of Man Utd’s past seven Premier League games, while his only league appearance was a 10 minute cameo against Fulham.

However, his winning contribution versus Liverpool is proof that Amad deserves a real chance in the Red Devils first-team.