Leicester City are one of the teams being tipped to move for highly-rated Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, but is it a realistic aspiration from the Foxes?
The Ivorian excelled on loan at Sunderland last season, scoring 14 goals and grabbing four assists in 42 appearances to earn plaudits both from those of a Sunderland persuasion and others keeping a watchful eye on him back in Manchester.
United boss Erik ten Hag got a closer look at the youngster last week when he put in a 45-minute stint in Oslo during United’s friendly game with Leeds United.
Manchester Evening News writer George Smith was impressed with the impact of Diallo on the right-wing at the Ullevaal Stadion, stating that he was the most potent of United’s front-three, frequently on the ball, attempting to make something happen and giving Leeds United’s defenders something to think about.
Though his finishing was slightly rusty, he offered far more to catch Ten Hag’s eye than fellow attackers Jadon Sancho and Omari Forson. He was lively, vibrant and displayed the characteristics of someone with a point to prove.
So could a deal be done that sees him at City this season?
Despite the success of that loan spell last season, Diallo now has to rise to the challenge of being able to produce similar standards in United colours, where the pressure is more severe and unforgiving. Nevertheless, he is expected to be given an opportunity to prove himself in pre-season over the next few weeks.
Will he take part in United’s full pre-season campaign?
He is expected to be included in the squad that will travel to Edinburgh to face Lyon on Wednesday before flying to the USA for a pre-season tour. United have four fixtures pencilled in while in the States, taking on Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, although the clash with Wrexham is expected to be taken care of by the academy.
It means Diallo could get a further three opportunities to prove himself to Ten Hag during the tour, while also hoping to feature in the upcoming clash with Lyon, plus either of the meetings with Lens and Athletic Bilbao the other side of the trip to the USA. The squad is likely to be split into two groups for those fixtures because United face Lens and Bilbao just over 24 hours apart the weekend before the Premier League season kicks off.
Therefore, as a rough guide, Diallo should have up to another five opportunities to show Ten Hag, his coaching staff and the fans that he can be part of the first-team squad for the forthcoming campaign. United are currently well-stocked in wide areas but could soon wave goodbye to Anthony Elanga, who is on Everton’s radar, and Facundo Pellistri, who could depart on loan. Uncertainty also surrounds Jadon Sancho’s future.
Antony and Marcus Rashford are almost certain to remain Ten Hag’s first-choice wingers, starting on the right and the left respectively. Antony joined United last summer for a fee north of £85m, and will be looking to kick on after a stop-start first season in England, which featured flashes of his potential.
Last term, however, he did not have a direct rival for a starting place on the right, with Alejandro Garnacho at his best playing on the left and Sancho proving underwhelming once again. With that said, it could open the door for Diallo to try and claim second place in the right-wing pecking order over the next few weeks.
Would he prefer a back-up role or another loan move?
At the age of just 21, though he played a prominent role in Sunderland’s top-six finish in the Championship last season, Diallo may be content with accepting a back-up role at United this season, being promised game time from the bench and the occasional start in cup matches. Like Antony, he is left-footed, meaning he would be comfortable coming inside and onto his stronger foot, whereas the rest of United’s wingers are all right-footed.
Like Diallo, Antony also has a point to prove in pre-season after blowing hot and cold last term, but he is guaranteed to remain a mainstay in Ten Hag’s strongest XI. Diallo, however, has his position within the squad to fight for.
His 45-minute showing against Leeds on Wednesday offered early signs of encouragement, but it is hard to gather too much information from a pre-season friendly, particularly the first one. Nevertheless, he did catch the eye in the first half.
If United do like what they see from him over the next few weeks, there is, realistically, a place in the squad with his name on it. It could be the perfect stepping stone for him at this point in his career.
What’s been said?
Speaking about his future in April, Diallo said: “I was so happy to sign for Manchester United: it’s a club with a massive history, famous all around the world. I haven’t shown my best for them yet, but I hope next season I can return and prove my talent. My dream is to play regular football at Manchester United.”
Meanwhile, ten Hag previously said: “He’s made really good progress there [Sunderland] so I’m happy with that. When we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting line-up or come on for a lot of games and make an impact. But young players need experiences, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or minimum to come on for a lot of games and make an impact.”
Though United are planning to run the rule over Diallo during this pre-season campaign, several clubs have been credited with an interest in taking him on loan, including Premier League newcomers Burnley and Sheffield United. Leicester, however, are planning for a swift return to the top flight and have taken a liking to the 21-year-old.
If United were looking to develop Diallo with another loan move, you would have to say that Leicester would represent a high-calibre environment for him to make the next step-up.
It’s unlikely that City would be able to take him from Old Trafford on a permanent deal, unless the money on the table was impressive enough to persuade them to part with a potential future first-teamer.
