Paul Scholes insists Amad Diallo ‘deserves’ Man United starting spot after Europa League brace – as interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy praises star’s ‘incredible’ training

Paul Scholes has claimed Amad Diallo warrants a starting berth for Man United after the winger starred in their Europa League 2-0 victory over PAOK.

Amad opened the scoring against the Greek champions by heading in a Bruno Fernandes cross in the early stages of the second half.

The Ivory Coast international sealed Man United’s first Europa League win of the season by winning back possession and firing into the far corner in the 77th minute.

Man United legend Scholes praised Amad’s overall contribution to the victory and feels the Ivory Coast international warrants a starting place in the team.

Amad was making his seventh start of the season, but has played a bit part role in recent weeks.

Amad curled in the far corner to seal a 2-0 victory over the Greek champions at Old Trafford

‘It was a great night for him as someone who is in and out. He needs to cement a place and I think tonight has gone a long way to doing that. 

‘He was excellent, the first 20 minutes he looked the sharpest player on the pitch and went on the prove that in the second half. 

‘He has been a bit in and out, but there is competition in those places. 

‘He has come in and made a real stake for that position, he probably deserves to play at the weekend.’

Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy joined the praise for Amad post-match, claiming the winger had ‘made the difference’ for Man United.

Van Nistelrooy highlighted Amad’s attitude in training, revealing the 22-year-old had not been impacted by being in and out of starting line-up. 

‘Amad made the difference for us today, obviously because of his goals but he was also sharp and in the first half he was one of the few that had his level. Well done to him,’ he said.

Ruud van Nistelrooy praised the winger, stating he had made the difference for Man United

‘He has been incredible [in training]. He was never effected by not playing, he was always training well and staying on the pitch doing extra bits.

‘“Ruud let’s do more, let’s do more”, we did a lot of work. That’s an example.’

Man United will face Leicester at home in the Premier League on Sunday, the final match of Van Nistelrooy’s spell in charge.

Ruben Amorim will officially take over as Man United’s new head coach on November 11.