Man Utd 'willing to sanction' surprise loan move that Erik ten Hag could come to regret

Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag are reportedly willing to sanction a loan move for one of their first team players in January, according to reports.

United went into Christmas having recorded four defeats in their last seven matches in all competitions, leaving them in eighth in the Premier League table.

A below-par display in their 2-0 defeat to West Ham on December 23 - their fourth consecutive game without scoring - piled more pressure on Ten Hag.

But while United have been praised for their defensive work in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool earlier in the month, it has been at the other end where the side's struggles have been abundantly clear.

United had netted just 18 goals in the league prior to their Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa, with only 20th-placed Sheffield United (15) scoring fewer.

One player not to blame for that statistic is forward Amad Diallo, who impressed on loan at Championship side Sunderland last term but has missed the entirety of this season through a knee injury.

The Ivory Coast international has now recovered, however, and could play a significant role for United in the upcoming matches.

But according to Football Insider, United are 'likely' to accept loan offers from suitable clubs for the winger, even though it is claimed that he will be given an opportunity in the first team at Old Trafford.

A source has suggested Amad is 'unlikely' to break into the starting lineup at this stage - which may surprise fans given the indifferent form of United's attack.

In-form Championship side Southampton are among the main suitors for Amad, while former club Sunderland are also said to be interested.

The Black Cats dispensed with the services of manager Tony Mowbray this month, with the former West Brom and Middlesbrough boss a key factor behind Amad's development last season.

His replacement is Michael Beale, who was recently sacked by Rangers - another of Amad's former clubs.