
Man Utd Rally Around Amad Diallo After Online Abuse Over Garnacho Photo
Manchester United have thrown their support behind Amad Diallo after the winger became the target of online abuse in the wake of an Instagram post featuring former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho. What should have been a simple show of friendship quickly turned into an unnecessary storm, and United were quick to step in and offer emotional support to the Ivorian international.
Amad Diallo’s Photo With Garnacho Sparks Backlash
The incident began shortly after United’s hard-fought win over Chelsea at Old Trafford. Amad posed for a post-match photograph with Garnacho, who made the switch to Chelsea this summer in a £40 million move. The picture was innocent enough: Amad held Garnacho’s blue Chelsea shirt while the Argentine posed with Amad’s red United kit.
But some fans on social media did not take kindly to the post, questioning the timing and appropriateness of such a gesture given Garnacho’s departure to a Premier League rival. A vocal minority went further, sending abuse that crossed the line from football banter to personal attacks.
The backlash escalated so quickly that Amad deleted every post on his Instagram account. For a player who has worked hard to regain his place in Erik ten Hag’s plans, the abuse was particularly unwelcome.
Manchester United Step In With Support
Sources close to the club told The Sun that Manchester United moved quickly to check on Amad’s mental state following the online barrage. While the player is said to be “okay,” insiders admitted that the post might have been “naive” given the context of Garnacho’s departure.
But United were keen to remind Amad that he still has the full backing of the club. Emotional well-being has been a growing priority for top-flight teams, and United made it clear that protecting their players off the pitch is just as important as getting results on it.
A Deeper Connection Between Amad and Garnacho
The criticism is all the more unfair when you consider the relationship between the two players. Amad and Garnacho share the same agency and formed a strong bond during their time together at Old Trafford.
Garnacho’s summer move to Chelsea was one of the transfer window’s most dramatic storylines, but his friendship with Amad clearly remains intact. For the Ivorian, who has fought through injuries and loan spells to finally earn consistent minutes in the United first team, showing support for a close friend was likely a natural gesture — one that unfortunately became fodder for online outrage.
Amad’s Role in United’s 2025-26 Campaign
Despite the controversy, Amad Diallo has been quietly putting together a respectable start to the new season. The 22-year-old has made five Premier League appearances so far, registering one assist and showing flashes of the creativity that made him such a highly regarded prospect when United signed him from Atalanta.
His versatility has also been key for Ten Hag, who has used him both as a right winger and in more central attacking roles when needed. United’s injury issues in attack have made depth crucial, and Amad has stepped up to the challenge.
Garnacho’s Struggles Since Leaving Old Trafford
Meanwhile, Garnacho’s post-United career hasn’t exactly taken off just yet. After joining Chelsea, he has found himself on the fringes of Ruben Amorim’s squad, with just one Premier League appearance so far this season. The Portuguese manager is reshaping the Blues in his image, and Garnacho — once considered one of United’s brightest prospects — has had to bide his time.
It’s this shared struggle for minutes that may have strengthened the bond between the two players. They understand the pressure of being a young talent at a top club and the criticism that comes when things don’t go perfectly.
United Fans Urged to Show Understanding
While some supporters were critical of Amad’s post, others have urged the fanbase to show more understanding. Football is full of emotional storylines and rivalries, but at its core, it’s still a game that brings players together — even across club divides.
Social media can amplify negativity, often drowning out the more reasonable voices, but incidents like this also spark important conversations about how players are treated online. Abuse directed at players has been an ongoing problem across football, with campaigns like “Stop Online Abuse” repeatedly calling for stronger action.
Looking Ahead: Amad Focused on Football
For now, Amad’s priority is to put the incident behind him and continue contributing on the pitch. United face a challenging run of fixtures, and with injuries still a concern for Ten Hag, the Ivorian winger could have a big role to play in the coming weeks.
The club’s support has given him the reassurance he needs, and the hope among fans is that he can channel this episode into motivation.
Final Thoughts: A Reminder of Football’s Human Side
This story is a reminder that footballers are human beings first and foremost. Amad Diallo’s post with Alejandro Garnacho was nothing more than a gesture of friendship — one that should have been celebrated rather than condemned.
Manchester United’s decision to rally around their player sends a strong message: protecting the mental health of footballers is non-negotiable. The game may be fiercely competitive, but respect for the individuals who play it should never be lost.
As for Amad, he now has the chance to let his football do the talking, and if his early-season form is anything to go by, we may be seeing much more of him lighting up Old Trafford before long.
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