Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video in which he was seen raising his middle finger toward a group of people outside the team’s hotel in Kuala Lumpur during their post-season tour of Asia.
The Ivorian international, who featured in United’s 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All Stars on Wednesday, took to social media platform X to clarify the context behind the gesture, which had sparked confusion and criticism online.
“I have respect for people but not for the one who insults my mum. I shouldn’t have reacted like that but I don’t regret what I did,” Amad wrote.
The incident occurred shortly before the match at Bukit Jalil Stadium, where Amad came off the bench but was unable to inspire a response in a lacklustre Manchester United performance.
The team, still reeling from a hectic end to the Premier League season, looked disjointed and unprepared in a match that ended with fans booing at full-time.
United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the frustration among supporters and suggested the jeers could serve as motivation for their next fixture.
“I feel always guilty of the performance of the team since I am here in the first game,” Amorim said.
“The boos from the fans, maybe it is something we need because every game that we lost in the Premier League they were always there. Let’s see for next season.”
Manchester United continue their off-season tour with a match against Hong Kong on Friday, with growing pressure on both players and coaching staff to deliver a more cohesive display.
