UCL: Amad warns Man United not to underestimate Atalanta

Manchester United winger, Amad Diallo, has warned the English Premier League side ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash with his former club Atalanta on Wednesday.

Amad, who spoke to the club’s media, said it would be a big mistake for United to underestimate the Italian Series A side which currently tops Group F.

Atalanta, who travel to Old Trafford, were on the brink of reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2020, before two dramatic late goals by Paris Saint-Germain stopped them.

They reached the round of 16 last season before succumbing to Real Madrid.

Amad. said; “First of all, we must not underestimate Atalanta.

“If you underestimate Atalanta, you are making a huge mistake.

“They have got a great coach, a great team and they have got good fans. They press high, they don’t let you play and they put you in difficulty.

“The wingers, [Robin] Gosens and [Ruslan] Malinovsky, are strengths of theirs, they will give you a difficult game. Even when they don’t have the ball, they will run a lot, especially those two. If you lose the ball, then you’re in trouble because they run so much and they’ll get it.”

Amad still has plenty of friends at the Italian club and is thankful to coach Gian Piero Gasperini for trusting in his talents from a young age.

“Gasperini helped me very, very much indeed,” he admitted.

Amad said; “Against Udinese [for my debut] in Serie A, that was a big one. He’s a fantastic person. He’s been fundamental for my growth and I really thank him a lot for all the years I was with him.

“I am still in touch with some of my team-mates and I can’t wait to see them. I think it will be a very, very good day.”

PUNCH/ Mercy Chukwudiebere