The recent debate among Crickex Affiliate followers has focused on Manchester United’s most unpredictable asset — their right flank. Under coach Rúben Amorim, United’s attack has become more dynamic, but their defensive balance remains a ticking time bomb. Captain Bruno Fernandes is known for his “double-edged sword” style, and last week against Nottingham Forest, Amad Diallo showed he’s cut from the same cloth. His spectacular long-range goal salvaged a draw, but his defensive lapses also cost the team its lead.

Forest deliberately targeted his side, and upcoming opponents like Tottenham, Everton, and Crystal Palace may try the same trick. This exposure is one of the risks of Amorim’s 3-4-3 system — an approach that thrives on attacking flow but leaves space behind the wing-backs. Without tactical adjustments, United may continue to rely on outscoring opponents rather than controlling games. Crickex Affiliate viewers who follow Amorim’s tactics will notice he values offensive freedom, much like when he used Giovani Quenda at Sporting Lisbon. Diallo, a €40 million winger, was repurposed as a right wing-back in Amorim’s very first match, assisting Rashford’s opening goal of the new era.

So far this season, Diallo has played nine Premier League matches, starting eight. In three of them, he filled the number ten role, but in most games, he’s been stationed as a right wing-back. Amorim once said in December that Diallo is “perfect” for the role: his pace, close control, and ability to carry the ball between the lines make him a valuable hybrid player. Still, the coach also admitted that physicality is crucial for wing-backs — not in terms of height, but speed and endurance. That balance of skill and athleticism defines Amorim’s tactical vision, but it also exposes cracks when Diallo’s defensive matchups turn physical.

The Forest game highlighted that very flaw. Diallo struggled aerially against Morgan Gibbs-White, and his partner Bryan Mbeumo, another weak header, offered little help. Their vulnerability was quickly exploited, as Forest’s attackers — Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White — repeatedly isolated Diallo. English managers are experts at exploiting such weaknesses; they did the same years ago with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was excellent in tackles but poor at tracking back after crosses. Crickex Affiliate analysts have pointed out that once a weakness is exposed in the Premier League, rivals waste no time using it to their advantage.

Offensively, however, Diallo continues to shine. His stunning volley at the City Ground was just the latest in a series of highlight moments — from scoring the winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup to forcing a penalty and netting a comeback goal against Manchester City. A few weeks later, he even scored a 12-minute hat-trick versus Southampton. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand defended the youngster, saying fans should “appreciate what he brings” instead of fixating on his flaws. Ferdinand praised his link-up play with Mbeumo, his relentless pressing, and his ability to stretch defenses — all vital elements of Amorim’s attacking scheme.

Still, even Ferdinand admitted that opponents are likely to exploit the imbalance on United’s flanks. With Diogo Dalot now covering the left side in place of Patrick Dorgu, United’s width often lacks consistency on both ends. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher echoed the sentiment, noting that Diallo’s dual role — defending deep and attacking wide — can leave him exposed. Dalot, by contrast, offers better aerial defense but lacks crossing accuracy, creating an uneven rhythm between the two wings.

Amorim has options to fix this. He could start Harry Maguire instead of Leny Yoro for more aerial control, but that would cost speed and mobility. Alternatively, he could push United to attack more aggressively, reducing defensive pressure on Diallo’s side — a tactic that worked during the high-tempo first half at Anfield. Yet as the Premier League grows increasingly physical with long balls and set pieces, Diallo’s weakness will continue to be tested. Even bottom-ranked teams like Nottingham Forest have found ways to trouble United, proving that total dominance across 90 minutes remains unrealistic.

This weekend’s clash with Tottenham could be pivotal. Amorim insists on sticking to his 3-4-3, while Spurs boss Thomas Frank — known for his flexible, pragmatic style — will likely target Diallo’s zone. For Amorim, it’s a tactical chess match: can United maximize Diallo’s attacking brilliance or will Spurs expose his defensive gap? Crickex Affiliate followers will be watching closely, as the answer might determine whether United’s bold system can truly stand the test of England’s toughest league.