AP, Manchester, England
Amad Diallo rescued Manchester United with a late 12-minute hat-trick to earn a 3-1 win over last-placed Southampton in the English Premier League on Thursday.
The 22-year-old winger equalized in the 82nd minute, put United ahead in the 90th and added a third goal in the fourth minute of stoppage- time, just when it looked like his team was heading for a fourth straight home loss for the first time since the 1930s.
An own-goal by Manuel Ugarte put Southampton ahead in the 43rd minute at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, second left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring their third goal against Southampton during their English Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, on Thursday.
Photo: AP
Diallo’s late exploits came a week after he signed a five-year contract extension with the club and underlined his status as a potential star of the future — and a shining light in a miserable season for United which looked like continuing against opponents on just six points and 10 from safety.
Diallo turned the game around with a flurry of goals despite being played at wingback against Southampton.
“I am ready to play every position — I am ready to play as a wingback, No. 10, where the manager likes to put me. I am ready to fight for this club,” the Ivory Coast international said.
“I’m happy to score a hat-trick, but the most important thing is a win for the club,” he said.
The victory continued an uptick for the fallen English giants, who beat Arsenal in a penalty shoot-out in the FA Cup on Sunday and were impressive in a 2-2 draw at first-placed Liverpool in United’s previous league game.
United climbed to 12th place in the league with the victory.