Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissed suggestions that Bruno Fernandes is tired and needs a break following the Manchester United star's ineffective display against Liverpool.
The 26-year-old hit the ground running after arriving from Sporting Lisbon last January, scoring 19 goals and providing 14 assists in just 32 Premier League appearances.
Fernandes' Player of the Month award for December was a record-breaking fourth of the year, yet the midfielder has failed to scale the same heights in the opening weeks of 2021.
The playmaker was below par in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Liverpool – something pointed out by former United skipper Roy Keane – but Solskjaer does not believe the frantic festive schedule has taken its toll on the Portuguese.
"His form is very good," the United boss said. "He was just voted Player of the Month. He's not tired, no. No chance.
"He is one of the players who runs and covers the ground in every single game. Very good at recovering, very good at recharging his batteries.
"If he'd scored his free-kick or just had a little air on the ball when Luke (Shaw) put the cross in, he would have been lauded as the best player in the Premier League again.
"Since he's come in, he's been absolutely immense. No, he's not tired. If I ask him there's absolutely no chance he'll say he's tired.
Asked if it is likely to be four or five weeks until Diallo is involved, Solskjaer said: "It might be quicker than that. Who knows?
"He's definitely settled down well, the players have taken to him and he's a good character. Very polite, smiley boy, who works really hard.
"He's doing his sessions, getting used to us. Of course, there's always a period of adjustment needed but he's settling in well."
