West Ham manager Nuno Santos has found himself at the center of attention following his side’s fiery 1–1 draw at Old Trafford — but not because of the scoreline. What truly set fans buzzing was his surprising confession after the match, one that quickly spread through both fanbases and ignited endless debate. Santos admitted openly that a particular Manchester United player has been on his mind ever since the final whistle, and if the chance ever arose to bring him to West Ham, he wouldn’t hesitate for a second.
The revelation wasn’t shocking simply because a rival manager admired a United player; it was *who* he singled out. He didn’t name the goal scorer, the captain, or any of United’s usual poster boys. Instead, sources close to the scene claim Santos became fixated on Amad Diallo — a name most didn’t expect to hear in such glowing terms.
Insiders reported that throughout his post-match review, Santos kept circling back to Amad’s performance. West Ham’s analysts were stunned by the winger’s intelligence, his composure in tight situations, and his ability to glide past defenders with almost effortless precision. One staff member even quoted Santos calling Amad “the hardest winger I’ve prepared for this season.”
During the match, Amad repeatedly disrupted West Ham’s defensive shape, forcing the coaching team to adjust their tactical approach on the fly. At one point, the defensive assistant reportedly leaned over to Santos and said, “We can’t read him. His movement is unpredictable.”
Once the game ended, Santos was said to have turned to his coaching group and declared, “That boy is special. If an opportunity ever appears to sign him, we go for it immediately.” Witnesses in the tunnel also overheard him praising Amad’s knack for creating danger out of nothing, insisting he would fit seamlessly into West Ham’s system.
What caused the biggest stir, however, was his private remark to a handful of journalists: “Give me the chance to sign him and I won’t think twice. Some players only need one performance for you to understand their quality.”
The reaction was instant. West Ham fans urged their club to pursue the winger. United supporters were split — proud of Amad’s recognition yet wary of outside interest. And neutrals questioned why United weren’t already making him central to their attack.
Amad Diallo remains a United player for now, but Santos’ admiration has sparked a conversation that could gain momentum as the January window approaches.
