Amad Diallo didn't take long to make his mark on his Manchester United Under-23s debut and grabbed two goals in a 6-3 thrashing of Liverpool U23.
The 18-year-old forward completed his move to Old Trafford - worth a total of £37million - earlier in January and was handed his first start for the U23s on Saturday.
Fielded on the right flank, Diallo showed his killer instinct to close down centre-back Billy Koumetio and pickpocket the ball. The former Atalanta man then burst into the box and calmly slotted into the corner to give United U23s the lead in the 14th minute.
Later in the match, with United already 5-2 up, Diallo was handed penalty duties and beat Liverpool U23 goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga with a delightful Panenka.
The young Ivorian appears to have already struck up a fine partnership with Joe Hugill, who also dazzled in his own right with a four-goal showing. The pair were a constant nuisance for Liverpool U23's defence and their pressing forced numerous errors in the first half-hour.
Diallo was clearly brimming with confidence throughout the match and even attempted an audacious lob over Pitaluga in the first half.
His excellent control of the ball and distribution also caught the eye, while some nifty footwork in the box led to appeals for a penalty - though these were waved away.
Despite falling two goals behind early on, Liverpool U23s worked their way back into the match and were level by half-time thanks to Tyler Morton's sweetly-struck volley and Luis Longstaff's equaliser.
But Diallo continued to impress on his debut, playing a key role in the build-up to Hugill's goal to restore United U23's lead after the interval. Hugill completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot and added his fourth to extend the lead to 5-2. Diallo's audacious effort from 12 yards extended the lead even further, while Joe Hardy scored a late consolation goal for the hosts.
Diallo's performance in the derby victory is sure to have grabbed the attention of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though it remains to be seen how long the teenager will spend plying his trade in Premier League 2 before he makes the step up to the first team.
Discussing United's latest promising youngster earlier this week, Solskjaer told MUTV : “He’s been training really well and settling in.
“He’s ready to get some game-time and match exposure. I’m looking forward to seeing him. There you go. Welcome to English football!”
Meanwhile, Manchester United's first team faces a crunch trip to Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
Is Amad Diallo the most promising youngster in England? Have your say in the comments.
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