Manchester United are reportedly preparing to give Amad Diallo a new position at Old Trafford, promoting the young winger to the role of a key first-team player.
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to hand Amad Diallo a new role at the club ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Red Devils are now planning for the new term with more clarity, after it was confirmed that Erik ten Hag would be staying on as head coach.
The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford was in serious doubt after a difficult second season in charge, with the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Thankfully for them, an FA Cup final success over local rivals Manchester City ensured that Ten Hag’s troops will be playing Europa League football next season.
It was initially thought that new minority owners INEOS – spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – would look to sprinkle their own influence on the managerial hotseat, however the former Ajax man is safe for the time being.
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Man United to hand Diallo new role?
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are set to give Diallo more responsibility within the first-team plans of Ten Hag next term.
The report claims that the Red Devils are ready to upgrade the Ivorian’s status to a key senior player, likely leading to more game time in the Premier League.
It has also been stated that some inside the Theatre of Dreams perceive Diallo as on the same level of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
The former Sunderland loanee started just three matches in the Premier League last season, earning a total of 388 minutes of top-flight action across nine appearances.
That being said, Diallo made a telling impact in Man United’s FA Cup run, scoring an extra-time winner against Liverpool at Old Trafford in March.
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Heavy price tag, huge potential
At the age of just 18, Diallo secured a high-profile switch from Italian side Atalanta BC to the red side of Manchester for a fee rising to £37m in 2020.
The now 21-year-old barely featured for United’s first team during the first three years, being sent out on loan to Scottish giants Rangers and Sunderland.
A term in the Championship under the stewardship of Tony Mowbray was very productive for Diallo, who netted 14 goal contributions in 42 league appearances.
The Ivorian is likely to be part of Ten Hag’s pre-season plans in July, when the Red Devils will face the likes of Rangers, Arsenal and Real Betis in the United States.