Could Amad Diallo Be Set For a New Lease of Life at Old Trafford?
The recent FA Cup quarter final between Manchester United and Liverpool had everything you could have wanted in a rivals clash. Goals, tackles, atmosphere and of course, a late, late winner. That came from a certain Amad Diallo, a man who has been on the periphery at Old Trafford in recent years, his match-winner could be the platform he needs for a fresh start.
When Diallo arrived at Manchester United from Atalanta back in 2021 for £20m at just 18 years of age, he was hailed as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner. But in the three years since that megamoney move, things hadn’t worked out as expected for the talented young Ivorian. Now however, fresh off his scintillating last-gasp winner against Liverpool in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, could a new dawn be on the horizon for the now 21-year-old winger?
Three Years on the Sidelines
Just weeks after his arrival at Old Trafford, the Ivorian was immediately sent out on loan to Scottish Champions Rangers. The Glasgow club would go on to reach the final of the UEFA Europa League, ultimately losing on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville despite being the dominant force throughout. Unfortunately for Diallo, he wouldn’t have a part to play, sitting on the bench for all of their knockout stage games, a common theme throughout his time at Ibrox.
In the summer of 2022, he made another loan move, this time to Championship outfit Sunderland. And his time on Wearside was much better than his stint north of the border. Diallo was one of the first names on the team sheet as the Black Cats endured a brilliant second-tier campaign, reaching the playoffs despite being newly promoted from League One at the start of the season. The loanee racked up 14 goals in all competitions as well as an assist as his side was narrowly beaten by Luton Town after being one game away from the Wembley showpiece.
Return to Old Trafford
Diallo returned to Old Trafford last summer and many thought that he could have a part to play for the Red Devils this season. However, a number of injuries and fitness concerns have seen him miss pretty much the entire season. He has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League this term totalling up to 48 minutes spent on the pitch.
But in the recent FA Cup clash against the Merseysiders, he showed once and for all what he can do at his very best. He made Marcus Rashford’s equaliser with a brilliant assist, before creating and finishing his 121st minute winner. With plenty of big games on the horizon in United’s hunt for Europe, Diallo must take his opportunities when they come. If he does that, he could find himself back in the picture once and for all.