Amad Diallo’s decision to stay put at Manchester United in January was reportedly heavily influenced by positive showdown talks with Erik ten Hag.
According to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a “positive conversation” between Erik ten Hag and Amad Diallo appears to have been a key part of the decision for the 21-year-old to remain at Manchester United in January.
The January transfer window is now over, with no incoming business for the Red Devils. The United squad is looking considerably lighter than it did a few weeks ago. Several players have left, primarily on loan, in an effort to earn first-team minutes away from Manchester United. One player who came close to going down that route was Amad.
Amad spent last season on loan at Sunderland, racking up 42 appearances and scoring 14 goals in the Championship as the Black Cats reached the play-offs.
He has not been able to force his way into the plans of Ten Hag, though, as he has made just one appearance in the Premier League, totalling 36 minutes, partly down to a catastrophic knee injury suffered back in July.
Both Sunderland and Amad explored the possibility of a return to Wearside for a second loan spell during the winter window. However, despite trying all month, Sunderland were unable to persuade Manchester United to allow the deal, and they were forced to accept defeat. Now, Fabrizio Romano has shed some more light on that situation.
Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Italian transfer expert wrote: “Amad Diallo had positive conversations with Erik ten Hag in January. It was crucial to prepare Amad’s future involvement in Man United squad. Club and manager want to trust Diallo and that’s why loan to Championship was never considered realistic option in January.”
There is no disputing Amad’s potential and ability, but the 22-year-old is at the point in his career where he has to play regular football.
As the season is about to enter the business end, United would need options from the bench to contribute, and Diallo could be the player to provide that depth and quality.
Still, with Alejandro Garnacho in excellent form right now and Antony ahead of him in the pecking order, he has some stiff competition standing in the way.
Antony should only be ahead of the tea lady for all he has contributed this season, even last season was not scintillating for an £80 million player. Amad could do no worse so why not replace Antony with him?