Ten Hag risks Man Utd fury with wonderkid set for exit

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 15 Dec 2023 06:36 GMT
  • 3 min read
Erik ten Hag, Manchester United
© ProShots/FootballTransfers

Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo is expected to leave the club on loan during the January transfer window despite his desire to make an impact at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Ivorian shone on loan at Sunderland last season, playing a key role as they reached the Championship play-offs before falling at the semi-final hurdle.

Article continues under the video

Amad, 21, joined Man Utd from Atalanta for an initial €21.3 million back in 2020, despite the fact that he had never started a senior game for the Italian side at the time of the deal.

However, he proved his talent at Sunderland last campaign, netting 14 goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

The tricky winger was expected to compete for a first-team spot at Man Utd this season, potentially in place of €95m signing Antony on the right-wing, but he suffered a knee injury in pre-season.

As a result, he has been sidelined for the duration of the 2023-24 campaign thus far, but a return to action is right around the corner.

Diallo to seal Championship loan?

Although Diallo is nearing full fitness, TEAMTalk have reported that he is likely to be loaned out during the January window, despite the fact that he wants to stay at Old Trafford and fight for a place in the starting XI.

According to the report, several Championship teams are keen on landing Diallo on a short-term deal, including his former club Sunderland, who are currently searching for a new manager after Tony Mowbray was sacked.

Amad Diallo was on loan at Sunderland last season
© ProShots - Amad Diallo was on loan at Sunderland last season

Stade Reims boss Will Still is the favourite for the new job and he is understood to be keen on the move, as per reports in France.

Furthermore, FootballTransfers understand that Wolverhampton Wanderers have also expressed their desire to sign Diallo on loan, with their interest in the Ivorian dating back to Nuno Espirito Santo’s time in charge at the club.

With Diallo potentially on the move in January, Erik ten Hag risks angering the Man Utd fanbase, many of whom would like the talented Ivorian to be given a chance in the first-team.

Antony is without a goal since April and given Diallo’s form at Sunderland last year, there’s every chance that he would prove to be an upgrade on the former Ajax man.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.