New United boss Ruben Amorim sends shockwaves by excluding Rashford and Garnacho, but late heroics from Amad Diallo seal a stunning derby win at the Etihad.

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United began with a bang, as the Portuguese coach made a shocking call to drop Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad entirely before the fiery Manchester derby. His decision, seemingly risky and divisive, was vindicated in dramatic fashion as United triumphed 2-1 over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Amorim’s gamble had many questioning his methods, especially given Rashford’s stature and Garnacho’s recent form. Yet, the 39-year-old manager held firm, sending a clear message that no player is above the team. This bold move created tension long before the first whistle, leaving fans and pundits alike wondering whether his high-stakes decision-making would end in disaster or glory.

The match itself was a tense affair. City dominated possession early on, but United’s resilience shone through. Two minutes from full-time, with the scoreline hanging in the balance, Amad Diallo, a rising star in the squad, made his mark. First, he earned a crucial penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted to equalise. Then, moments later, the young Ivorian completed a remarkable turnaround by firing home a breathtaking winner, sending the away fans into raptures.

Diallo, who had been deployed in an unfamiliar wing-back role earlier in the game, thrived under Amorim’s tactical innovation. His decisive contribution underscored why the new manager has placed such faith in him.

Speaking after the match, Amorim was unflinching in his justification for dropping Rashford and Garnacho. “We did a great job tonight,” he said. “It was different from our defeat to Arsenal. There, I didn’t feel belief. Today, I did.”

Amorim refused to elaborate on what he described as “past mistakes,” but his comments appeared to be a nod to issues of discipline or inconsistency within the squad. When pressed on the absences of Rashford and Garnacho, the coach dodged specifics, focusing instead on the team’s overall spirit.

Fans, however, will be left to wonder how long this hardline approach will last. Rashford, one of the club’s biggest stars, sat out a pivotal game, sparking inevitable speculation about a rift with Amorim. Garnacho, whose fiery personality has sometimes clashed with management, faces similar uncertainty.

For now, Amorim’s gamble has paid off, with United securing their first win at the Etihad since 2021. While City manager Pep Guardiola lamented missed opportunities, Amorim basked in the glory of a game-changing performance from his squad.

Amad Diallo, whose United career has often been overshadowed by injuries and loan spells, emerged as the story of the night. “Amad is in a good moment,” Amorim remarked. “Erik [ten Hag] brought him to the first team, and Ruud [van Nistelrooy] did a great job with him. We need to avoid making the same mistakes we’ve made in the past.”

As Amorim plots the next step in United’s campaign, questions remain. Will Rashford return to the fold? Is Garnacho’s omission temporary? For now, the focus is on the team’s renewed belief, ignited by their new coach’s uncompromising approach and a derby-day triumph for the ages.