Manchester United winger Amad Diallo delivered another moment of magic on the international stage, scoring a brilliant opening goal to help Ivory Coast secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Tuesday night.
A Moment of Individual Brilliance
The 23-year-old, who had already netted twice in the group stage, added a third tournament goal in the 20th minute with a piece of sublime skill. Picking up the ball in a congested penalty area, Diallo used his quick feet to slalom through the Burkinabe defence before showing exquisite composure to dink a delicate chip over the advancing goalkeeper and into the roof of the net.
The strike sent the Ivorian fans into raptures and set the hosts on their way to a comprehensive win. The Elephants doubled their lead through Yan Diomande in the 32nd minute, before Bazoumana Toure added a late third to seal the result. The victory books Ivory Coast a quarter-final clash with Mohamed Salah's Egypt, who beat Benin 3-1 on Monday.
Form Abroad Contrasts with Old Trafford Turmoil
Diallo's sparkling form in his natural right-wing role for his country provides a stark contrast to the chaotic situation he left behind at Manchester United. The player departed for AFCON last month alongside teammates Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui, missing the dramatic dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese manager was sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos on Monday following an explosive outburst after United's 1-1 draw with Leeds. Former midfielder Darren Fletcher has taken temporary charge for Wednesday's trip to Burnley while the club seeks an interim boss for the remainder of the season.
Under Amorim, Diallo had become a key figure but was often deployed out of position as a right wing-back in a 3-4-3 system, with the £71m summer signing Mbeumo preferred further forward. His prolific scoring exploits at the tournament will undoubtedly give Fletcher and any incoming manager serious food for thought regarding his best position upon his return to Carrington.
Search for an Interim Boss Intensifies
In the hunt for Amorim's temporary successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a leading contender for an emotional return to Old Trafford. The Norwegian, who was famously appointed permanently after a successful caretaker spell in 2018, was pictured near his Cheshire home on Tuesday.
He is understood to be high on a shortlist that also includes Fletcher and fellow ex-United players Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy. The club is believed to have held talks with both Solskjaer and Carrick on Tuesday as they rush to stabilise the situation before Diallo and other AFCON participants return.
