Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy believes an extended spell on the bench acted as motivation for Manchester United’s Europa League hero Amad Diallo, who scored two goals.

Amad was appointed as a substitute in six consecutive games before starting against Greek side PAOK at Old Trafford.

In Van Nistelrooy’s words, the 22-year-old responded by being “our best player in the first half”, before “winning us the game in the second half”.

When asked whether being a substitute so often was a motivating factor, Van Nistelrooy replied: ‘Apparently yes.’

The Ivory Coast international was by far the biggest threat to United despite limited opposition. He was willing to commit himself to the PAOK defense and continued to do so, even if he did not immediately receive a reward.

Van Nistelrooy accepted a first half in which United made “a lot of technical errors” and one shot on target was “not good”, but Amad made the difference after the break.

“The second goal had everything that Diallo is,” said Van Nistelrooy. “He fought to get the ball from the defender, then pushed through to take the shot and had the quality to bend it around the goalkeeper.

“He has a great character and is a hard worker. He shows that attitude in every training session. Every day he comes to me and wants to do extra finishing, crossings, one v ones. He asks how I can improve his shot and his course.

“He is constantly focused on learning and getting better. He is motivated to get the most out of his career.”

Amad’s current contract expires in June, although United do have the option to extend it for another year.

He will have a new boss to impress next week as Ruben Amorim takes charge.

Van Nistelrooy said he had to “check his phone” to see if he had received a message from the Portuguese, although for now he seems happy that both sides are focusing on their current clubs.

“I think Ruben is focusing on (Sporting at) Braga and I am focusing on Leicester (Sunday in the Premier League),” he said.