EPL: Amad Diallo's Late Hat-Trick Seals Dramatic Manchester United Comeback

Manchester United staged an incredible comeback to defeat Southampton 3-1, thanks to Amad Diallo's late hat-trick. Read the match report and catch up on the Premier League action.

Amad Diallo saved Manchester United from embarrassment with a late hat-trick, securing a 3-1 win over Southampton at Old Trafford. This victory extended Manchester United's unbeaten streak against Southampton to 16 Premier League matches.

Southampton, fresh from their FA Cup win over Swansea under new manager Ivan Jurić, started strong. Kamaldeen Sulemana showcased impressive skills, beating Leny Yoro, but André Onana denied him with an angled save. Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho then missed a clear opportunity from Rasmus Højlund's pass.

As the match progressed, Southampton's confidence grew. André Onana made crucial saves, first from Tyler Dibling's powerful shot after a remarkable run and then from Mateus Fernandes' close-range effort. Although Fernandes should have scored, Onana's quick reflexes kept the score level. Kamaldeen Sulemana's subsequent shot sailed wide.

Southampton eventually took the lead just before halftime. Mateus Fernandes' corner was flicked on by Tyler Dibling, and Manuel Ugarte inadvertently deflected the ball past André Onana, despite the goalkeeper's attempt to intervene.

At halftime, Ruben Amorim made a tactical switch, replacing Kobbie Mainoo with Antony. However, this change did not immediately alter the game's momentum, as Southampton continued to dominate.

Need we say more?#MUFC || #MUNSOU pic.twitter.com/7ThPsa0tzV

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 16, 2025

Southampton's pressure persisted, prompting Amorim to make further adjustments. He brought on Joshua Zirkzee and Toby Collyer to replace Rasmus Højlund and Manuel Ugarte. Despite these changes, the Saints maintained their attacking intensity. Kamaldeen Sulemana once again outmaneuvered Leny Yoro, but his finish rolled agonizingly wide, missing a clear opportunity to double Southampton's lead.

The momentum began to shift as Manchester United created scoring chances. Alejandro Garnacho delivered a cross to Antony, who failed to connect cleanly with the goal at his mercy, allowing Aaron Ramsdale to gather the ball. Bruno Fernandes then attempted to chip the former Arsenal goalkeeper, but James Bree cleared the subsequent square ball, preventing a potential equalizer.

Amad shines for @ManUtd late on with a quick-fire hat-trick 😱#MUNSOU pic.twitter.com/hXaZMl0bW7

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 16, 2025

The pressure finally paid off for Manchester United in the 82nd minute. Amad Diallo capitalized on a fortunate bounce, which gave him the time and space to confidently fire in the equalizing goal.

As the match entered its final stages, Southampton's nerves began to fray, exacerbated by their struggles this season. Amad Diallo delivered a decisive blow just before stoppage time, expertly exchanging passes with Christian Eriksen before unleashing a powerful volley that left the Southampton goalkeeper helpless.

Amad sealed his hat-trick in the dying moments of the game, capitalizing on a momentary lapse in concentration from Taylor Harwood-Bellis. The Ivorian pounced on the defender's sloppy touch and slotted the ball home with ease, sending the Stretford End into raptures.

The dramatic turnaround proved devastating for Southampton, who extended their winless away run in the Premier League to 18 matches. In contrast, Manchester United's comeback victory propelled them up to 12th in the table, marking their first home league win since early December.