Future looks bright as kids combine to sink Toon in late Euro push

THE United fans were just reciting their chant about Alan Shearer when they were suddenly halted by Amad.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

The goading was upgraded to cheering.

Regular watchers of United have wondered for months why Amad has been restricted to the role of benchwarmer. In the past week he has demonstrated why the privileges Antony enjoyed under Erik ten Hag were unjustified.

This was Amad's second goal of the season and minutes away from being his second winner. Until last week, Amad was only introduced whenever United were drawing or losing. Here, they were winning.

The former Sunderland loa nee's goal will have been celebrated with particular gusto on Wearside. Amad savoured his celebration in front of the black-and-white shirts in the away section.

Amad is assured of cult status for his heroism against Liverpool and has been an immeasurable upgrade on the one-paced and one-dimensional Antony.

He has dropped the 'Diallo' from his name yet the crowd chanted 'Amad Diallo.

This was the first time Amad had started successive matches for United in a season he first appeared in back in December. Omari Forson, due to be released next month, was selected ahead of him in the home defeat to Fulham in February. Only two United forwards are certain of remaining at the club beyond the closure of the summer transfer window. Amad, a £37million investment on transfer deadline day in 2020, is a talent the incumbent or future United manager should welcome the sight of in their squad.

Ditto Kobbie Mainoo. Ten Hag joined in with the thousands of United supporters to put his hands together for the 19-year-old when he shielded the ball from Bruno Guimaraes. Ten Hag was doing so again moments later.