Sophia
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that promising attacker Amad Diallo will miss Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash against Brentford. Diallo has been granted compassionate leave following a family bereavement, adding to a growing list of unavailable players for the Red Devils as they seek to build momentum.
Amad Diallo’s Absence: A Significant Blow
The 23-year-old Amad has been a revelation this season, seamlessly transitioning between attacking midfield and a wing-back role. He has started five of United’s six competitive matches, quickly establishing himself as an integral component of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactical setup. His absence marks his first missed game of the campaign.
“Amad is not here because someone in his family passed away,” Amorim revealed in his pre-match press conference. “We are giving all the support to Amad and understood he needed to return home.”
Defensive Concerns and Midfield Suspension
Adding to United’s woes, Noussair Mazraoui is also unavailable, potentially creating a significant void on the right side of defence. While Diogo Dalot has recently returned from injury, he may be thrust straight back into the starting lineup, perhaps sooner than anticipated, to cover the defensive gaps.
Long-term absentee Lisandro Martínez remains sidelined, and he will be joined by influential midfielder Casemiro, who serves a suspension following his red card in the recent fixture against Chelsea.
Amad’s Difficult Week Amidst Online Abuse
The tragic news regarding Amad’s family follows what has already been a challenging week for the young player. He recently wiped his social media feeds after facing a torrent of online abuse.
The abuse stemmed from an innocent post where Amad shared a picture of himself swapping shirts with former teammate Alejandro Garnacho after the Chelsea match. This seemingly innocuous act led to a barrage of criticism from fans, prompting him to delete all posts from his Instagram page and leave only one on X (formerly Twitter).
Manager Ruben Amorim addressed the issue, offering a pragmatic perspective and unwavering support. “I say the same thing to my players. Shut down social media,” Amorim reflected. “It’s like that nowadays. It’s a price you have to pay. But the important thing is the club and his friends are real life for Amad. We are here for him. It’s a tough moment and in this kind of moment, the next game is not important. We can win without Amad and we want to win also for him.”
Looking Ahead: A Test of Squad Depth
Manchester United now faces a significant test of their squad depth and resilience against a spirited Brentford side. The absence of key players like Amad Diallo, Mazraoui, and Casemiro, coupled with Martínez’s long-term injury, will require Amorim to strategically adjust his lineup and rely on other members of his squad to step up. The team will undoubtedly be playing with an added motivation to secure a victory for their grieving teammate, Amad.
