Amad Diallo’s Dramatic Hat-Trick Rescues Manchester United in 3-1 Victory Over Southampton
Manchester United’s recent home struggles seemed poised to continue as they trailed Southampton 1-0 at half-time in a crucial Premier League clash at Old Trafford. However, a stunning late show from Amad Diallo turned the game on its head, with the Ivorian winger scoring a brilliant hat-trick to secure a 3-1 victory for Ruben Amorim’s side.
United’s woeful form at home, having lost their last three league matches at Old Trafford, appeared set to stretch into a fourth consecutive defeat after Southampton took a deserved lead. Just before the break, Manuel Ugarte inadvertently turned a corner from Tyler Dibling past United goalkeeper Andre Onana for an own goal, leaving Southampton with a one-goal advantage.
Despite a string of fine saves from Onana to keep United in the game, Southampton looked the more dangerous side throughout the first 45 minutes. Kamaldeen Sulemana tormented United’s defense, with Onana forced into several key interventions. Yet, it was Ugarte’s unfortunate own goal that gave the visitors the breakthrough.
In the second half, Manchester United continued to struggle to find their rhythm. Alejandro Garnacho missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring early, and Antony was unable to convert a clear chance in front of goal, leaving Old Trafford growing more frustrated. However, it was Amad who delivered when it mattered most, and his dramatic late intervention saved United from an embarrassing defeat.
With just eight minutes left in the match, Amad fired a low shot under Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after a neat assist from Joshua Zirkzee to level the score. Amad then turned hero just moments later, volleying a pinpoint dink from Christian Eriksen into the back of the net to give United the lead.
The drama wasn’t over, as Amad completed his hat-trick in stoppage time. A defensive blunder from Taylor Harwood-Bellis allowed Amad to roll the ball into an empty net, sealing a remarkable turnaround and securing a much-needed three points for United.
The victory lifts Manchester United up to 12th in the Premier League standings, easing some of the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim. However, Southampton’s struggles continue as they remain rooted to the bottom of the league, 10 points adrift of safety.
Despite the defeat, Southampton boss Ivan Juric was critical of his team’s inability to manage their lead late in the game. “We did really well for 75 to 77 minutes and then did really bad managing the game,” Juric said. “We cannot play 95 minutes in the same way. There is a moment where you have to be more clever and manage the game differently. We were like kids, playing well, and then they score.”
Amorim, while pleased with the victory, acknowledged that his side’s performance was far from perfect. “We didn’t have a good game, but at this moment, winning is the most important thing,” he said. “The team is really tired, and today was not a lack of enthusiasm, but a lack of control in the game.”
Southampton will now look to bounce back when they travel to face in-form Nottingham Forest on Sunday. As for United, the win provides a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.