Erik ten Hag lays down challenge for Amad Diallo after starring pre-season display in Manchester United win

Erik ten Hag has challenged Amad Diallo to step up for Manchester United, after he starred in a pre-season win over Rangers.

Having started their summer with a disappointing defeat to Rosenborg, United were improved at Murrayfield as they eased to a 2-0 win over the Scottish side.

Amad started on the right wing and was a constant threat in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch, putting his side in front before the break with a lovely finish after cutting inside onto his left foot.

The 22-year-old was hampered by injuries last season, making only nine Premier League appearances, but Ten Hag is confident the winger is ready to play a key role for United this term.

“We have to see Amad in a different way,” Ten Hag told MUTV.

“Of course he’s still young, but he’s not inexperienced anymore. Last season he had bad times with bad injuries, before that he was in the Championship and had a great season.

“At the end of last season he had a very good time in our first team, played some good games.

“Now this has to be the year. It’s great that he starts like this.”

Leny Yoro made his debut for United, coming straight into the starting lineup just a few days on from completing his £52m move.

That was the second major United signing of the summer, after striker Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival, and Ten Hag praised the club’s hierarchy for acting swiftly in the transfer market.

“This is very good,” the Dutchman said.

“We are on the front foot, very proactive. Leadership is doing a great job in this moment. That’s how we want to act. At United we are highly ambitious.

“The earlier you can get your players in, then you can work on your team.”