“I can see it in their balance” - Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen compares Amad Diallo to Manchester United legend

Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has compared Amad Diallo to club legend Ryan Giggs. The Ivorian forward has been outstanding since the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford in November.

Amad singlehandedly turned the Manchester derby around, helping the Red Devils secure a comeback 2-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday, December 15. The 22-year-old won a penalty late in the second half, which Bruno Fernandes converted, before scoring the winner himself two minutes later.

Speaking to OLBG, as cited by Metro, Meulensteen insisted that Diallo's ability to run with the ball makes him very similar to Giggs.

"Amad Diallo could be a long-term star for Ruben Amorim. I’ve been really impressed with him so far and I’m sure he’s impressed the manager in the wing-back position," said Meulensteen.

He continued:

"He is quick, direct and brave. He can score, create and he can definitely have an impact in the long-term. I can see comparisons to Ryan Giggs in Diallo. The way he picks up the ball and runs with it, I can see it in their balance."

He concluded:

"He’s also impressed in the way he has adapted to the wing-back role, but we’ll have to see how he gets on in the defensive side against opposition with more attacking prowess. Antony plays in a similar position but I can’t see him doing that job, he wouldn’t have the discipline. Amad on the other hand, he’s taken it in his stride."

Manchester United remain 13th in the Premier League table after the win, six points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest.

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How many goals did Ryan Giggs score for Manchester United?

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs spent his entire career with Manchester United and was among the rare breed of one-club men. The legendary Welshman appeared 963 times for the Red Devils in his career, becoming the club's record appearance-maker.

Giggs scored 168 goals and set up 264 more during his time with Manchester United. Once an explosive winger who tormented full-backs, the Welshman reinvented himself during the final seasons of his career, operating in midfield and unlocking defenses.

Giggs won 35 trophies during his time with the Red Devils, including a record 13 Premier League titles. During his final season (2013/14) with the Premier League giants, Giggs was in charge of the team for the final four games of the campaign after David Moyes' exit. The Welshman also served as Louis van Gaal's assistant at Manchester United for two seasons, before leaving in 2016.