“He is the DANGEROUS player Rangers should be wary of”- Tavernier pinpoints former teammate as threat to Rangers
James Tavernier always believed that Amad Diallo would elevate his game after his time at Ibrox. The Rangers captain acknowledges that the former Light Blues loanee will be one of the main threats to their hopes in the Battle of Britain at Old Trafford.
Philippe Clement’s team has traveled south with the goal of continuing their strong form in European competition and progressing further in the Europa League. Next week, they will face Union Saint-Gilloise, aiming for a top-eight finish following notable victories over teams like Nice and Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the tournament.
Rangers will face a Manchester United team that has had its struggles this season. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted on Wednesday that the Red Devils are anxious playing at home, and Rangers have a chance for a significant result if they can raise their level of play once more.
The performance of former Rangers player Diallo could be crucial at Old Trafford. The winger has scored nine goals in 31 appearances this season and recently signed a new five-year deal with Manchester United.
“I always knew Amad would become a top player because he showed great potential at Rangers,” Tavernier said about the forward, who scored three goals during his loan spell at Ibrox in the 2021/22 season. “He was in and out of the team but had a strong run on loan at Sunderland. He’s obviously continued that form at Manchester United and is now showing his talent. He’ll be a danger for us to watch on Thursday, especially since he’s in such good form. I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
“It was a good learning experience for him at Rangers. You get tested in Old Firm games or when playing in tough away venues with smaller crowds. It was a different kind of challenge for him, and I think it helped him grow. He’s certainly progressed since then.”
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has encouraged his players to make history as they aim for their first victory over English opposition since their famous win against Leeds United more than thirty years ago. A win at Old Trafford would be a major achievement in Clement’s tenure.
For every member of the squad, it would be special. For Tavernier, a lifelong Leeds fan, it would be particularly satisfying. His only previous appearance at Old Trafford came in a Carling Cup loss while playing for Newcastle United, and he’s aware of the importance of the upcoming match.
“It’s important to keep the crowd quiet here,” Tavernier said. “We need to stick to our game plan and hopefully that will happen. It would be special to get a result here, especially for me as a Leeds fan playing against Manchester United! I’ve only played here once, a long time ago in the Carling Cup, and lost, so I’d love to come here and win. I’m really excited about it.”
“The only thing I remember from that game is that Wayne Rooney played in midfield and was running the show. Thankfully, he’s not playing now. I was young, and it was a bit daunting coming to Manchester United. But I’m much more experienced now, and I can block out the noise and focus on the game. The whole team is in a similar position now, as we’ve all been involved in big games before. I’ve got a lot of friends and family coming here, and they’ve all got their tickets sorted.”
