Revealed: Why FA Cup hero Amad Diallo stayed at Man Utd in January

Cameron Smith

• 19 Mar 2024 16:16 GMT
• 4 min read

Amad Diallo was close to leaving Manchester United during the January transfer window, but he was convinced to stay at Old Trafford by Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

Amad, 21, scored a dramatic extra-time winner against Liverpool on Sunday to set up an FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Coventry City.

However, the Ivorian has found game time hard to come by this season after suffering a serious injury back in August.

READ MORE: Amad Diallo justifies €41m price tag with stunning FA Cup winner vs Liverpool

Amad excelled on loan at Sunderland last campaign and he was expected to play a significant role at Old Trafford upon his return to the club. But, he has mustered just 98 minutes of action in 2023-24 and Amad has been an unused substitute in six of the past seven Premier League matches.

The former Atalanta winger was close to leaving Man Utd on loan or on a permanent transfer in January, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that his desire was always to remain at Old Trafford, while Erik ten Hag even reportedly told him: “Stay here, be patient, and your opportunity will come.”

Romano added that further discussions over Amad’s long-term future at Man Utd will take place during the upcoming months following his telling contribution on Sunday.

READ MORE: Ten Hag makes Amad admission after match-winning FA Cup display

What has Amad Diallo said?

After netting the winner against Liverpool, Amad removed his shirt in celebration and was shown a second yellow card for the offence, meaning he was unable to finish the match.

The Man Utd star told ITV: “I forgot the first yellow. I’m very disappointed for that, a red card, but the most important for me is to win and against a big team like Liverpool is a big, big moment for me.

“Everyone came to me and said congratulations. I want to thank everyone, the fans were superb all game.”

Amad continued: “It’s a dream come true. That goal will give me a lot of confidence. I want to continue like this. I’m very happy.”