Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Manchester United, Amad Diallo, Sunderland
Daniel Marland
Amad Diallo scored his sixth goal for Sunderland in Thursday's 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic - which has excited Manchester United supporters.
The 20-year-old swapped Old Trafford for the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan in August in search of regular game time.
Amad penned a five-year deal with United in 2021 and was tipped to be one for the future. Despite scoring in a Europa League draw with AC Milan, the Ivory Coast international wasn't fancied by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or interim manager Ralf Rangnick last season.
In January, he joined Scottish Premiership giants Rangers on a short-term loan. Amad scored three goals in 10 league games and helped Rangers to the Europa League final.
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Between January and the summer, United underwent massive changes. Erik ten Hag became the new manager on a permanent basis and several first-team players departed the club.
With a reputation for developing younger players, many anticipated Ten Hag would be a fan of Amad. Instead, he opted to send the youngster to Sunderland for a second loan spell in 2022.
Despite possessing bundles of talent, the winger's physicality has been questioned. Amad is five foot eight and received simple advice after arriving in England: bulk up with an extensive gym programme.
The Championship is one of the most physical leagues in the world. A perfect litmus test to see if Amad could become the player many hoped for. So far, he's passed the test with flying colours.
A slow start meant Amad didn't register a goal for Tony Mowbray's side until October. Since then, he's scored six times and registered an assist.
His strike to wrap up a convincing display against Wigan was extraordinary. Amad whipped a swerving left-footed effort past a helpless Jamie Jones in the Wigan net.
Sunderland are currently fourth in the Championship, two points behind Blackburn Rovers in third. It's unlikely they'll catch Burnley and Sheffield United, who are a whopping 11 points clear at the top, but Premier League return for the first time since 2017 isn't out of the question.
It'll help strengthen Amad's chances of receiving a second chance at United. Summer signing Antony is currently struggling, while Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho isn't fit enough to play.
Fans think Amad should get an opportunity when he returns from his loan spell in the summer.
One person said: "He should be competing with Antony already."
Another put: "This guy has been brilliant. Surely he deserves a chance?"
A third tweeted: "Bring him back in January we need more attackers."
While someone added: "He's always had talent but is adding that extra bit of grit. Love it."