Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man United loanee compared to Ireland great as Ten Hag is urged to hand him a chance
Promising young forward Amad Diallo has had an exceptional start to his loan spell with Sunderland, with former Black Cats defender Danny Collins saying he is “playing like Aidan McGeady.”
After struggling for consistent minutes on a short-term loan with Rangers last season, Diallo has featured 14 times for Sunderland this season, scoring four goals and getting one assist so far.
The 20-year-old has been utilised effectively by Tony Mowbray this season, showing why Manchester United are so excited about the youngster.
In a recent interview with Sunderland TV, Collins said Diallo has already matured beyond his years during his short stint at the Stadium of Light.
“He is a joy to watch,” Collins said.
“He is looking for me like Aiden McGeady, isn’t he?
“When Aiden was in his confident mood he was getting on the ball out wide and you were on the edge of your seat thinking, “What is going to happen here now?”
“Same with Amad for me.
“How old is he again? He’s probably 20 or 21, but he has matured beyond his years in terms of mentality.
“Listen, he went to Manchester United for 30-odd million quid and he has come here now.
Amad Diallo can be Sunderland loan star
“I am not saying he has come here as if he has to prove himself, because you can see there is a good player in there, but he has come here and he knows he is playing for a big club, certainly at this level.
“For me, it is like he wants to be the star of the show playing in an arena like this.
“Give me the ball and let me show you what I have got in the bag.
“Look at the tools I have and what I can produce and he is doing week in and week out for us.”
United actually signed Diallo in a deal that could eventually top £37m from Atalanta when the Ivorian was 19. Indeed, the winger comes with plenty of expectations and will surely have a big future in the game.
However, to date, Diallo has still only featured nine times for the Red Devils, scoring one goal against AC Milan in the Europa League round of 16. He has, however, already been compared to a talented Liverpool youngster.
Given the competition for his preferred winger position from the likes of Rashford, Antony and Sancho, it made sense for Diallo to go and develop his game with some regular football elsewhere.
Flashes of brilliance
Last season, Giovanni van Bronckhorst brought Diallo to Ibrox to bolster Rangers’ attacking threat, but while Diallo showed flashes of brilliance, he still wasn’t a regular in the side.
The youngster played 13 times for the Gers, scoring three goals overall, but it’s fair to say he failed to live up to his star billing.
Erik Ten Hag then opted to send Diallo on a season-long loan to Sunderland to see if he could develop his game in the Championship, a decision which is paying dividends already.
After 14 appearances, four goals and one assist Diallo has turned into a consistent starter for the Black Cats, with Mowbray being the first manager to really ‘back’ him and give him time to settle.
Sunderland currently sit 10th in the Championship thanks in part to Diallo’s excellent performances, which represents a solid start with this being their first season back in the second tier.
While Collins’ McGeady comparison is flattering for now, in reality, Diallo will have to show more talent than that if he wants to become a regular feature in the United team.
Although, it’s fair to say that Diallo’s loan to Sunderland has already improved his game considerably, which is great news for the United prospect.
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