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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Callum Vurley

Didier Drogba hails Man Utd's future star as Bruno Fernandes help pays off

Didier Drogba has hailed Manchester United ace Amad Diallo after his stunning game-winning free-kick - with a little help from Bruno Fernandes along the way.

It came during Ivory Coast's dramatic victory over Burkina Faso on Saturday in an international friendly.

Amad signed for United in January after agreeing a move from Atalanta in a fee that could rise as high as £35m.

The forward has a huge future ahead of him though he has been used sparingly since arriving at Old Trafford.

However, Amad proved his potential at international level where he is already a hero for his country after a jaw-dropping free-kick against Burkina Faso.

Amad Diallo stepped up to score the winner at the Stade Olympique d'Ebimpe (Twitter)

Ivory Coast and Chelsea legend Drogba was full of praise for the 18-year-old while Fernandes was the one who has helped him perfect his set-pieces.

On Instagram, Drogba said: "Remember this kid. First goal with the national team and more to come."

Another to take to social media and wax lyrical was Fernandes and Amad was keen to thank him for his help.

He replied to him: “You taught me that!”

It was just Amad's second cap for Les Elephants, his previous a five-minute cameo against Niger earlier this year.

The teenager's free-kick came in the 97th minute against Burkina Faso, completing the comeback for the home side.

Amad Diallo scored his first international goal in style (Twitter)

Ajax star Lassina Traore had earlier put Les Etalons ahead in the opening exchanges before Ibrahim Sangare equalised with 18 minutes to go.

Amad's winner marks a fine six months for the youngster, who was born in Abidjan before moving to Italy as a boy.

As for Fernandes, the Portugal international has been a shining light for the Red Devils.

The 26-year-old has scored 28 times for United this season while assisting a further 17, proving to be Solskjaer's main man.

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