Tony Mowbray believes Manchester United loanee star Amad Diallo will likely remain at Sunderland for the rest of the season, despite reports that Erik ten Hag is considering recalling him.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the Dutchman is keen to add another left-footed attacker to his squad following Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational departure from the club.
And with Amad already on the books, the Ivorian could be an easy solution to strengthen Ten Hag’s options.
Antony is currently the only left-footed attacker in the squad and given the United manager’s preference for the reverse winger, that places a huge burden on the Brazilian.
But Mowbray dismissed the possibility, saying: “We’re not sitting here at the moment thinking: ‘Oh, Man United will take him back in January because he’s going to go and have a big impact for them.’
“I think Man United is in a good place, don’t you? They are doing well. They have a young Argentinian who is scoring some goals for them and I am sure they will want to give him a chance.
“If he did come back then I’m not sure he would play again, and surely at the age the kid is he needs to play,” Mowbray added.
“He’s doing that here, and I think this is a great vehicle for him to showcase his talent.
“He is helping our team to succeed and he is showing his talent to Man United. I know he’s enjoying it, you can tell by the smile on his face every day now, unlike a month ago when he was quite a shy and introverted person. Now, his talent is blossoming and he’s having fun, and I’m sure he’s in no rush to come back.”
Amad got off to a slow start at Sunderland and was even relegated to the Under-21s in September, but has since become a key member of the Championship team.
Mowbray was effusive in his praise for the youngster after Sunderland’s win against Birmingham City, during which Amad scored to take his tally to three goals and an assist in his last five appearances.
“Amad came to the party for us, and I feel like he’s really adjusting to the group.
“Now it is understood that this boy has real talent and deserves to be respected within the team. For me, taking him over Patrick Roberts… I sat in a media room a couple of weeks ago and said I didn’t think there was a better player in the league than Roberts.
“Amad has been amazing in training, so quick on his feet and direct, and his physical data from all of our recent games has been incredible. He scored a wonderful goal and we see him do it every day in training.”
With Amad apparently developing well at Wearside, United might be better served allowing him to continue his growth in England’s second tier for the remainder of the season.
But if Ten Hag was impressed by his physical development and confidence boost, he might well see him as an ideal candidate to rotate with Antony on Manchester United’s right wing.
