Man Utd's two "leaders" praised by Amad should tell Ten Hag all he needs to know

05 January 2024 , 22:06

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Man Utd's two "leaders" praised by Amad should tell Ten Hag all he needs to know

Amad Diallo has heaped praise on Manchester United team-mates Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro for their support after recovering from a long-term injury, saying they are "good leaders".

Amad, 21, returned to action last weekend after suffering a knee problem in pre-season. The issue had kept Amad out for over five months, but he was back in the fold as a second-half substitute during United's 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest. He appeared for the final 36 minutes at the City Ground.

Martinez and Casemiro have missed sustained periods of the campaign through injury, but both supported Amad through his recovery period before his return to action.

"I can come back stronger," Amad told the club's website. "Come back with more motivation to help the team because we need to win every game. United need to win every game. We are a big, big team so everyone needs to fight for the team. So I come back stronger, ready and motivated.

"My programme was to come in every morning to have treatment and, after that, to go to the gym to make the work on my upper body and legs. That's what my plan was for when I was injured. Lisandro Martinez helped me a lot because he was injured also.

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"Every time, when we are at training, he spoke with me and said: 'It's nothing, Amad. Keep training hard'. Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro also. They are good leaders. Everyone helped a lot. The physios helped me a lot. So now, thanks God, I am back with the team. I am very happy."

Amad Diallo has praised two Manchester United team-mates after recovering from a long-term injury (Getty Images)

Martinez and Casemiro were both integral to United's success last season as Erik ten Hag's side finished third, won the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup final. However, both players have struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, with Martinez making just four appearances, while Casemiro has not featured since November 1.

Martinez and Casemiro were spotted in training earlier this week as United try to get both ready for the second half of the campaign. United's FA Cup trip to Wigan could come too soon, but they might be instead eyeing a return for the home game against Tottenham or the trip to Wolves next month.

Kieran King