WHAT JOSHUA ZIRKZEE DID AFTER AMAD'S HAT-TRICK SAY IT ALL ABOUT MAN UTD STAR

Manchester United star Amad scored a late hat-trick against Southampton on Thursday night.

Amad Diallo stole the show for United against Southampton (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Joshua Zirkzee paid tribute to Amad after the Manchester United starlet saved the team from a potential upset against Southampton.

The Saints, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League with just one win this season, were leading until the final 10 minutes.

However, Amad turned the game on its head, netting three goals in 12 minutes to secure a remarkable 3-1 victory. His hat-trick ensured United claimed all three points, with his teammates recognising the Ivorian's brilliance as he becomes the Red Devils' star player.

As the United team returned to the centre circle following Amad's third goal, Zirkzee showed his admiration by bowing towards him.

With nine goals in all competitions, Amad is now United's top scorer in what is proving to be a breakout season for the former Atalanta player.

He also played a pivotal role in securing a significant victory for manager Ruben Amorim against Manchester City last month. While Amorim praised his young star, he was keen to ensure Amad remains grounded and quickly shifted focus to their next match.

Joshua Zirkzee was spotted bowing towards Diallo (Image: X (@_StrettyEnd))

He said: "The important thing is to win, and he helped us to win. Then he's doing a very good season. So, that's it. I already spoke about this, we have to be careful with the young kids. Was a really good job today. He has a lot to improve, but this game is in the past.

"We need to prepare the future. In the game, in football, the life is like this. So, congratulations to him, to all the team, enjoy tonight, is a very good moment and he needs to appreciate this moment, but, tomorrow, he's going to recover and we have to prepare for the next game."

Amad Diallo has enjoyed a sensational breakout season so far (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Captain Bruno Fernandes has also praised Amad, stating that there is still significant room for growth. In an interview with the BBC last month, Fernandes said, "He's been doing great things and there's a lot more to come.

"He's always active, always alive and this is why he gets the penalty and his goal. He's been brilliant but I shouldn't say much as we need to keep him going as we need him at this level. Like this he is unstoppable."

- SAMUEL MEADE, CHARLIE PARKER-TURNER

'HE HAS QUALITY ' - AMORIM SENDS MESSAGE TO MANCHESTER UNITED FRINGE PLAYER WHO MADE KEY IMPACT VS SOUTHAMPTON

Man Utd's substitutes made a key difference as they came from behind to defeat Southampton in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim praised Christian Eriksen after his key contribution from the bench in Manchester United's comeback win over Southampton in the Premier League.

The Saints were on course to record a famous away win at Old Trafford before a 12-minute hat-trick from Amad Diallo turned the game on its head and secured three points for United.

Amad deservedly earned most of the plaudits for his huge impact on the result, though he was not the only United player who made a key contribution to the win. Andre Onana produced some key saves in goal, Joshua Zirkzee impressed from the bench and fellow substitute Eriksen played a key pass to set-up what proved to be their winning goal.

Eriksen, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to negotiate with overseas clubs from this month unless he signs a new deal. It remains to be seen whether the veteran midfielder will get many more chances in the weeks ahead but Amorim insists he needs all of his players to manage the upcoming fixture schedule.

Asked if Eriksen can expect to have more opportunities in the weeks ahead, he told reporters: "It depends on the players, the work they do, he has the quality to make that kind of pass and we need all the players to win games, 10 minutes or 90 minutes all the players are important to change the course of the season."

- Rich Fay