Amad Diallo's heroics may have saved Manchester United again, but Red Devils are far from safe

United may be 10 points above the drop zone, but more inconsistent performances that don't go their way could prove costly

Manchester United were in a daze for most of their match facing Southampton at home at Old Trafford on Thursday, but yet again they were bailed out by Amad Diallo in a 3-1 victory. Amad netted a second-half hat trick with all goals coming after the 80th minute of play, turning around a game that looked set to be a loss. The 22-year-old has been enjoying a breakout season under Ruben Amorim and now has six goals and six assists in Premier League play. Amad became the first Manchester United player to score a hat trick since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022 -- pretty good company to be in.

His goals have also come at key times with four of them being match-altering goals. Scoring the winner in the Manchester derby, a goal to draw against Liverpool, and this hat trick to down Southampton, they have all mattered significantly for the Red Devils during what has been a frustrating season. 

Much has been said about Manchester United being closer to the relegation places in the Premier League than they were to a Champions League place but after Amad bailed them out against Southampton, it's a good time to look at how real the danger is for United. In the last five seasons, the number for safety has been 36 points in the Premier League with 39 points being the highest total for a 17th-place finish.