Man Utd: Diallo posts Atalanta tribute after sealing move
Manchester United reached an agreement for Amad Diallo during the summer transfer window after being rebuffed by Borussia Dortmund over Jadon Sancho. He officially completed his move to Old Trafford in January, touching down in a £37million deal from Atalanta. And while he’s yet to kick a ball for the Red Devils in a first-team match, he’s already made a sensational impact behind the scenes - potentially ending the club’s pursuit of Sancho once and for all.
In the summer, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made it clear he wanted Sancho signed.
The Norwegian had watched the Borussia Dortmund winger blitz the Bundesliga, scoring 17 goals and registering 17 assists from 34 matches in the competition last term.
He felt Sancho would be the ideal player to go with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood in attack, with Bruno Fernandes providing the ammunition from behind.
However, in the end, a move to Old Trafford failed to materialise.
United tried hard. They spent all summer locked in negotiations over a deal for Sancho but, when it became apparent Dortmund wouldn’t sell for anything less than £108million, ended up looking elsewhere.
That failed pursuit led to the Red Devils agreeing a deal for teenage talent Diallo, who had impressed the club’s scouts with some electric displays at youth level.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
In January, the 18-year-old’s move to the Theatre of Dreams was officially rubber-stamped.
And while he’s only been at the club for a number of weeks, the youngster has already made a hugely positive impression behind the scenes at Carrington.
Tribal Football claimed over the weekend that Diallo had the club ‘buzzing’, with coaches blown away by the talent he possesses.
Man Utd tried to sign Jadon Sancho during the summer transfer window (Image: GETTY)
And, speaking ahead of United’s Premier League showdown with Southampton on Tuesday night, the Norwegian suggested Diallo could even be involved in the weekend’s match with Everton.
“We will make a decision on Amad in the week [on] what he does at the weekend – if he’s in our squad,” said Solskjaer.
“It depends on many factors, if we have injuries or Covid. You never know, but he might be playing on Friday [for the U23s] but yeah. I will make a decision on Thursday.”
United have been widely expected to go back in for Sancho.
Even though he’s struggled for Dortmund he’s still regarded as one of the best young players on the planet and, in recent weeks, has returned to form.
Trending
Man Utd have seen Amad Diallo sparkle behind the scenes (Image: GETTY)
But Diallo’s rise suggests United may not go back in for the 20-year-old and will give the teenager every chance to fulfil his potential on the right wing.
That’s already been confirmed as his favourite position by Solskjaer.
And, in any case, the Red Devils appear to have new priorities at the current moment in time.
Erling Haaland is a target, with the Norway international continuing to score goals galore at Dortmund having rejected a move to Old Trafford 13 months ago.
And Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is also on their radar.