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Soccer

'A great character!' - Ruud van Nistelrooy praises Amad Diallo drive after Manchester United brace

'A great character!' - Ruud van Nistelrooy praises Amad Diallo drive after Manchester United braceJames Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
The Ivory Coast winger nabbed a double to guide the Red Devils to a first continental win of the season on Thursday.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo is a "great character" who is "motivated to get the most", says Ruud van Nistelrooy after their 2-0 win over PAOK in the UEFA Europa League.

The Ivory Coast winger made the most of his start on Thursday, firing the Red Devils to a first European victory of the season with a second-half brace.

It marked an emphatic performance from the 22-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout season last term under Erik ten Hag but struggled to keep a place despite poor form elsewhere.

With new boss Ruben Amorim set to take charge imminently however, interim boss Van Nistelrooy believes Diallo has a bright future ahead thanks to his drive and desire.

"The second goal had everything in it that is Diallo," he said "He fought to win the ball off the defender, then pushed through to take the shot.

"[He] had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper. He is a great character and a hard worker. He shows that attitude in every training session.

"Every day he comes to me and wants to do extra finishing, crossing, one [on] ones. He is asking how I can improve his shot, and his heading.

"He is constantly focused on learning and getting better. He is motivated to get the most from his career."

Diallo may well get another start this weekend when United host Leicester City on Sunday, in their final game before Amorim takes charge.

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