Amad Diallo’s Manchester United role under threat under Michael Carrick

Amad Diallo is facing a difficult period at Manchester United as his playing time and influence decline under new manager Michael Carrick.

The Ivorian winger, long regarded as one of United’s most promising attacking talents, has struggled to regain his form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

In eight appearances under Carrick, Diallo has failed to score, raising concerns about his ability to maintain a starting position in a squad with increasing competition.

Diallo’s last goal for Manchester United came on 15 December against AFC Bournemouth, before Carrick’s appointment.

Since then, he has struggled to impact key moments, leaving the former Atalanta player on the fringes of the team.

Compounding his difficulties is the rise of Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško, who has earned a reputation as a “super substitute” with a series of decisive goals off the bench.

The turning point came in a match against Everton when Šeško scored the winning goal after replacing Diallo in the 58th minute. Since then, Carrick has increasingly favoured Šeško in the attacking lineup.

In subsequent matches, Diallo has been relegated to late substitute appearances. Against Crystal Palace, he remained on the bench while Šeško started and scored once again.

The pattern continued against Newcastle United, with Diallo entering only in the 74th minute, confirming his new status as a backup.

Statistics underline the decline: in 23 appearances this season, Diallo has registered just two goals and two assists, a stark contrast to 11 goals in the previous campaign.

For Diallo to reclaim a place in Manchester United’s starting eleven, he will need to quickly rediscover his scoring touch and influence on matches, while competing with the in-form Šeško for opportunities in Carrick’s attacking setup.