Erik ten Hag lists Amad Diallo’s four key attributes ahead of Man Utd vs Wigan

Erik ten Hag has listed the five key attributes that 21-year-old winger Amad Diallo’s five key attributes for Manchester United.

The United manager has been speaking ahead of the clash against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.

With the club playing against the League One side in their last cup competition this season, after being knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, there is an expectation for a solid win and cup run.

One player who could be afforded a big chance is Amad Diallo, who recently returned from a prolonged injury outlay.

The Ivorian played his first game in around five months when coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest in United’s latest defeat. Despite the negative result, the playmaker brought positives from the bench.

“In the second half, they were in the match. I thought Amad Diallo came in really good, Alejandro Garnacho played a very good game, I think,” said Ten Hag after the game.

Now, there is a chance for the Dutch manager to test Amad’s capabilities when starting a game in this FA Cup encounter, especially due to the form of Antony on the right side of United’s attack.

During a conversation with club media ahead of the tie, Ten Hag was asked about the key attributes Amad possesses which he admires and the manager listed off four different skills.

“Yeah, he is very ball secure. He can bring a key actions, final passes, score a goal. And so I think he has some weapons. That is always what you are looking for with offensive players.”

Antony has often been utilised as one of the only ‘ball secure’ players in United’s frontline, helping to keep possession moving. Ten Hag believing that Amad has the same quality, alongside some other key skills is a positive for the 21-year-old.

However, Ten Hag is unlikely to rotate largely in this game for two reasons. It is one of only two games the team plays in January – a win would see them play a third at the end of the month. And secondly, Wigan can not be taken lightly as the League One side will be looking to cause an upset.

“So in the cup is always about do or die and you have to be ready,” added Ten Hag. “An opponent opponent will be always 100 per cent when they play against Manchester United, but especially when they play in the FA Cup against Manchester United. So we have to be ready to face them, be well prepared. So we have the expectations that every game we have to win.

“It’s a great game. There will be full attention on that game. There will be a crowd that will probably be hostile. So enjoyed that position [and be] fully motivated. So, yeah, be ready and go and play.”