Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has publicly defended Amad Diallo after the striker's high-profile error during the recent win over Liverpool.
With Champions League qualification now assured, Carrick insists the talented Ivorian remains a vital part of his plans and described the winger as an absolute pleasure to work with.
United have experienced a remarkable comeback under Carrick, collecting 32 points since his appointment in January and officially securing a return to the Champions League.
However, Diallo has had a difficult spell, including being substituted at half-time against Brentford and a big defensive error that led to a goal against Liverpool.
Despite the criticism following that moment, Carrick used his pre-match press conference against Sunderland to emphasise his continued belief in the striker's attitude and incredible potential.
Speaking about the moment he consoled the player after the match against Liverpool, Carrick was adamant that mistakes will not define the 23-year-old's season.
Carrick said: "Amad is fine. He's absolutely fine. There's no problem. He was smiling after the game. Mistakes are part of football. I've made them too. I've made a lot as a player, I understand, and sometimes you make them and they end up in a goal. Sometimes you make them and they get away with it and nobody talks about them."
Beyond the mistake, Carrick highlighted the wider impact the player has had since the manager's return to Old Trafford. He praised the player's full contribution and said:
"He's done so many good things since I came back and the impact he's had on the team, his performances and what he gives to the team, with the ball, without the ball, his energy, his attitude to the game.
"And he's been brilliant in the last few days, he was brilliant after the game and that's how it should be. There's nothing to feel upset or disappointed about because he's got a lot ahead of him and he's so talented, so exciting and an absolute pleasure to work with. So he's in good form and I'm sure he's looking forward to Saturday's game."/Express newspaper/
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