Diallo hat-trick saves Man Utd against Southampton - here are the main takeaways

Fixtures/Results
Thursday, 16 January 2025 at 23:20
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Manchester United narrowly avoided disaster as Amad Diallo produced a sensational ten-minute hat-trick to turn the game around and secure a 3-1 victory against Southampton.
The visitors took a shock lead in the first half through a Manuel Ugarte own goal, leaving United frustrated and under pressure.
Despite dominating possession, the Red Devils struggled to find a breakthrough, with Antony missing a golden chance and Alejandro Garnacho squandering several opportunities.
Just as it seemed United would drop points, Amad stepped up in the dying moments, scoring three times to transform the game and secure a much-needed victory.
Amad Diallo has become United’s go-to savior in recent weeks, and his late-game heroics against Southampton cemented his reputation.
The Ivorian winger equalized with a composed finish after capitalizing on a loose ball in the box. Minutes later, he added a second, showcasing his lethal finishing ability.
Amad completed his hat-trick in stoppage time by dispossessing Taylor Harwood-Bellis and calmly slotting past the keeper. The 20-year-old’s remarkable performance not only secured the win but also reinforced his claim as United’s standout player of the season.

Onana’s Crucial Saves Keep United Alive

While Amad stole the headlines, Andre Onana played a vital role in keeping United in the game.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper made a series of stunning saves, denying Tyler Dibling and Matheus Fernandes with impressive reflexes.
Although questions have been raised about Onana’s consistency, his performance against Southampton proved his worth, as he was the only barrier preventing the Premier League’s bottom club from extending their lead.
Alejandro Garnacho endured a frustrating night at Old Trafford.
The young Argentine was United’s most lively attacker in the first half but lacked the clinical edge to capitalize on his chances.
Garnacho missed a clear opportunity to open the scoring and failed to connect with a dangerous Amad cross.
His wastefulness and occasional loss of possession drew the ire of the home crowd. With Napoli reportedly interested in signing him, Garnacho’s inconsistent display raised questions about his focus amidst transfer speculation.

Defensive Issues Persist

Southampton’s opener highlighted United’s ongoing vulnerability from set pieces. A flicked-on corner deflected off Ugarte and into the net, marking the tenth goal United have conceded from set plays this season.
Despite Leny Yoro’s potential, the young defender struggled against Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana, who frequently got the better of him on the flank.
United’s defensive frailties remain a glaring issue that Ruben Amorim must address.
Brazilian winger Antony’s introduction as a substitute raised eyebrows, and his performance did little to justify the decision.
Antony squandered United’s best chance to equalize, inexplicably misplaying Garnacho’s pinpoint cross when faced with an open goal.
The miss epitomized Antony’s underwhelming spell at Old Trafford, fueling calls for the club to cut their losses on the £82 million signing.
Manchester United’s win against Southampton was far from convincing, but Amad Diallo’s brilliance salvaged three points in a dramatic fashion.
While the victory keeps United afloat, the team’s ongoing struggles in attack, defense, and overall consistency remain cause for concern.
Ruben Amorim’s side must find solutions quickly as they look to build momentum in the Premier League and beyond. For now, United can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Amad Diallo continues to deliver when it matters most.