Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has broken his silence following Amad Diallo’s surprising post-match gesture after Manchester United’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the recent derby at the Etihad.
Amad Diallo, who was the hero of the match with his dramatic last-minute goal, made headlines not just for his on-field performance but also for his post-match sportsmanship. After the final whistle, instead of immediately celebrating with his teammates, Amad approached Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s players to shake hands and show his respect for the opposition.
The gesture caught Guardiola off guard. “I was surprised at first when Amad came over to shake my hand,” Pep admitted. “In moments like this, when emotions run high after a tough match, it’s not easy to stay composed. What Amad did speaks volumes about his character. He’s a young player, but he’s already showing maturity and class that you don’t see every day.”
Amad’s actions have been widely praised, with former Manchester United star Gary Neville also weighing in: “He didn’t just shake Pep’s hand; he shook every single City player’s hand. That’s sportsmanship at its finest. Amad is proving himself both as a player and as a person.”
The 21-year-old forward was instrumental in Manchester United’s comeback. After Josko Gvardiol gave City the lead in the first half, Amad won a crucial penalty early in the second half, allowing Bruno Fernandes to equalize. Then, in the dying moments of the game, Amad coolly slotted past Ederson following a brilliant assist from Lisandro Martinez, sealing United’s victory.
While Guardiola’s City walked away with disappointment, the Catalan manager didn’t shy away from recognizing Amad’s qualities. When asked about the young winger potentially joining Manchester City in the future, Guardiola replied with a smile: “We don’t usually discuss transfers after derbies, but any manager would want a player with such talent and respect for the game.”
Under manager Amorim, Amad Diallo is flourishing, earning not just the admiration of United fans but also respect from rivals. His winning mentality, professionalism, and ability to deliver on big occasions are setting him apart as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League.
As Amad continues to grow, his impact on and off the pitch is leaving a lasting impression, proving that he is more than ready to carry the Red Devils’ legacy forward.
