Youth coach names double Diallo flaw threatening Man Utd breakthrough

Amad Diallo

Amad Diallo’s former youth coach has identified two key areas which the new Manchester United winger must address if he is to “survive” in the Premier League.

United announced that Diallo had finalised his move from Atalanta last week after initially signing in October.

Indeed, the 18-year-old had to clear up work permit issues, pass a medical and is still awaiting a visa.

As well as waiting to complete his move, though, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Diallo may also have to wait for his chance in the first team.

The United boss wants to keep the youngster in the club’s reserve ranks to allow him to settle in.

However, Diallo’s former coach has insisted that the player is not yet ready to break through. Denis Cerlini, who mentored Diallo at Boca Barco, said that he must bulk up and work on his heading before making a move to the senior ranks.

“Physically, Amad wasn’t the strongest at Boca Barco, and his heading abilities aren’t good,” Cerlini told BBC Sport.

“He must add a few kilograms of weight in order to survive in the Premier League.”

United intend to put Diallo on the same development pathway as fellow young winger Facundo Pellistri. The 19-year-old Uruguayan currently plays Under-23s football and has so far impressed.

Cerlini also opened up on how Italian club Boca Barco came to acquire Diallo in his youth.

Cerlini reveals immediate Diallo impression

Amad Diallo

“We didn’t discover Amad, but rather he just came to us. It was a great stroke of luck,” Cerlini said.

“From the very first moment, it was evident the kid was special.

“He was very bold and quick, possessed great technique and a strong shot, and executed everything at great speed.

“Amad was popular in the dressing room. He made a lot of friends, learned Italian and seemed to be a very determined guy who knew exactly what he wanted.”

Solskjaer last week described the teenager as “one of the most exciting young prospects in the game”.

Elsewhere, a scout has warned that Diallo will cause ‘nightmares’ when paired with a current United star.

Read more…