‘Shut down social media’ – Ruben Amorim urges Cote d’Ivoire star Amad Diallo amid online abuse

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a firm message of support to Amad Diallo, insisting the winger prioritise his well-being over football and ‘shut down social media’ in the wake of online abuse.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford, the Portuguese coach confirmed the Ivorian international will miss the game following a family bereavement.

The Cote d’Ivoire international has been targeted by negative messages online in recent weeks, which Amorim said have clearly affected the 23-year-old.

“I always tell my players: shut down social media,” the United boss said. “Nowadays it is a price you have to pay but the important thing is that the club and the friends, real life for Amad, we are here for him.

“It is a tough moment for him and in this moment the next game is not important. We can win this game without Amad and we want to win it for him.”

United head to the Gtech Community Stadium level on points with rivals Manchester City but winless in their last seven Premier League away fixtures, underlining the pressure Amorim faces despite a vital victory over Chelsea last time out.

The manager also discussed summer signing Bryan Mbeumo, who is preparing for an emotional reunion with his former club Brentford.

“It’s really important everything he brings. He is always there to help us, he runs a lot, he presses a lot. He is a different threat to last season. He takes set pieces. So I am really happy with him,” Amorim said, adding that recruiting players already accustomed to Premier League football had been key to improving the squad.

United will hope to channel that resilience into ending their poor away run while rallying around Amad.