Ivorian international Amad Diallo delivered a sensational performance at Old Trafford, where he scored a last-minute hat-trick to secure a dramatic victory for Manchester United over Southampton, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite notable contributions from Super Eagles duo Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo, the Saints suffered a shocking late collapse, which sank them further into relegation trouble in the Premier League standings.
Manuel Ugarte’s unfortunate first-half own goal, deflecting the ball into his net, gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. Southampton defended resiliently against repeated attempts by United to restore parity, keeping the home side frustrated for much of the match.
However, Diallo took matters into his own hands in the 82nd minute, finding space inside the box to control a rebound and bury a low shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
Eight minutes later, Christian Eriksen provided a sublime lofted pass, which Diallo expertly controlled before firing a brilliant shot into the bottom-right corner, handing Ruben Amorim’s men the lead.
Christian Eriksen ile Amad Diallo’dan harika ortaklık! #PL
Amorim’in stres dolu gecesi, yerini tatlı bir huzura bırakıyor… | #beINSPORTS pic.twitter.com/rQZHwB76mm
— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) January 16, 2025
The 22-year-old forward wasn’t done yet. In injury time, he capitalised on a costly error by Southampton’s defence, coolly slotting home his third goal to seal a memorable hat-trick and a vital win for the Red Devils.
On the other end, Paul Onuachu, who replaced Lesley Ugochukwu late in the game, had little opportunity to make an impact during his eight minutes on the pitch. Joe Aribo, meanwhile, put in a solid 73-minute shift before being substituted, after which the goals began to pour in.
Southampton, with just six points to their name, face a daunting task at the weekend as they take on title contenders Nottingham Forest in another away clash at the City Ground Stadium.