Ruben Amorim joked that Amad Diallo saved him from an awkward conversation with Sir Jim Ratcliffe after his 12-minute hat-trick spared Manchester United’s blushes against Southampton.
Minority owner Ratcliffe was in the stands alongside CEO Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and advisor Sir Dave Brailsford and watched on as United huffed and puffed against the worst team in the league, staring defeat in the face with 10 minutes to go due to Manuel Ugarte’s own goal.
But after three moments of magic from Amad, Ratcliffe and Amorim were able to have a rare catch-up and the United boss was grateful it was smiles and not scowls on the menu.