Amad Diallo of Manchester United thanks the home supporters. EPA/ASH ALLEN
Wednesday Feb 18, 2026. 11:00
Manchester United and Ivory Coast star Amad Diallo has detailed how he conjures up ‘energy’ while taking to the world-renowned Old Trafford Stadium.
Following a slow start to the 2025/26 campaign, Diallo has been a star performer for the Red Devils of late, particularly under interim coach Micheal Carrick in the last couple of weeks.
Reflecting on United’s match day routine, Diallo expressed that the club’s pre-match theme song, ‘Country Roads’, provides energy needed to perform. The John Denver classic is played moments before kick-off at Old Trafford, while United supporters put their own twist on the song.
“I love the song at Old Trafford where everyone sings together too: ‘Take me home, United Road, to the place I belong, to Old Trafford, to see United, take me home United Road’, Diallo told the Manchester United Magazine, as per United in Focus.
“Every time when they put that song on, I sing it in my head. Even in the dressing room, we play that song sometimes before we go to the pitch, to remember: ‘Wow, we are playing for Manchester United.’ It gives us energy.
“You see the fans singing the song and you think: ‘Today is the day, we have to win for them. Then when you start playing, you are so relaxed, because [you know] the fans are there to help you.”