Amad Diallo sends message to Dejan Kulusevski after shattering blow
Man United star Amad Diallo has taken to social media to send a message to former teammate Dejan Kulusevski after their 4-3 defeat to Tottenham on Thursday (December 19).
Both Diallo, 22, and Kulusevski, 24, scored in a thrilling League Cup quarter-final, helping Tottenham progress to the semi-finals, where they will face Liverpool.
Dominic Solanke opened the scoring after 15 minutes, jumping on Altay Bayindir’s parry from Pedro Porro’s initial shot.
Kulusevski then got his goal just after halftime to double the home side’s lead before Solanke secured his brace to make it 3-0, promoting Ruben Amorim to bring on Joshua Zirkzee and Diallo.
The substitutes made an almost immediate impact, Zirkzee scored just after the hour-mark, capitalising on Fraser Forster’s attempt to play out from the back.
Forster was then at fault for Diallo’s goal, taking too long on the ball and allowing the youngster to close him down. His attempted long ball ricocheted off Diallo and into the back of the net.
Heung-Min Son eased the anxiety of the Spurs fans, scoring directly from a corner in the 88th minute, making Johnny Evans’ added time goal nothing more than a consolation.
Kulusevski has been key for Tottenham so far this season, starting 17 of his 25 games across all competitions, scoring six goals, and providing seven assists in 1694 minutes of action.
Amad Diallo pleased to see former teammate Dejan Kulusevski after Man United defeat to Tottenham
The two players came up through the youth ranks at Italian club Atalanta, attending the same school while adapting to a new country.
The Ivorian has found some form under Amorim after being largely ignored by Erik ten Hag, starting 14 of his 10 games across all competitions, scoring five goals, and providing eight assists in 1350 minutes on the field.
Diallo took to Instagram to share images of himself and Kulusevski growing up together, saying: “Same school, same class, playing together at Atalanta. Always a pleasure to see you again Deki.”
Ange Postecoglu’s side face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday (December 22) in a prelude to their League Cup semi-final.
United host Andoni Iraola’s high-flying Bournemouth side on the same day, knowing that a win could take them into the top half of the Premier League.
In other news, Mason Mount shares ‘devastating’ Man United update in new message.
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