‘We’re here for him’ – Ruben Amorim explains Ivorian star Amad Diallo’s absence after family loss

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says Amad Diallo has been given compassionate leave following a family bereavement ahead of this weekend’s Premier League trip to Brentford.

“Amad Diallo is not here because someone in his family passed away,” Amorim told reporters at Carrington. “We are giving all the support to Amad and understood he needed to return home.”

Diallo’a absence comes at a crucial point in United’s campaign as they look to maintain momentum after last week’s win over Chelsea, but the Portuguese coach insisted that Diallo’s wellbeing comes before football.

Amorim also took the opportunity to address the role of social media in players’ lives after Diallo recently deleted pictures from his accounts.

“I say the same thing to my players – shut down social media,” he said. “It’s like that nowadays. It’s a price you have to pay. But the club and his friends are real life for Amad. We are here for him.”

The United boss added that the squad is determined to deliver a result for Diallo at Brentford.

“It’s a tough moment and in this kind of moment, the next game is not important. We can win without Amad and we want to win also for him,” he said.

United travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to end a poor run of away form but will be without several key players.

Amorim confirmed that Diallo’s return will be determined by the player’s readiness rather than any fixed timeline.