Much like Manchester United’s ever-changing transfer policy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the club’s loan system has also been a mix of hits and misses.
One player who arrived at United amid much fanfare was Atalanta star Amad Diallo. The club rated him so highly that, despite the cheater only being 18 at the time, the club penalized £37.2m for the purchase of him.
After opportunities were few and far between in his debut campaign, it was decided that a loan spell would be the best possible scenario for the winger to continue his development.
However, his move to Rangers did not go as planned and doubts arose about his mentality and physique.
New manager Erik ten Hag looked at the 20-year-old and decided another loan was required as he was not yet up to the required standards.
Amad has hit the jackpot in Sunderland
The Red Devils had decided that playing in England was necessary for the Ivorian to get used to the conditions and realize what it takes to succeed in the tough world of English football.
A move to Championship side Sunderland followed and once again it looked as if another loan move would fizzle out and the young attacker would return to his parent club without confidence.
But this time, Amad did not back down and despite being demoted to the Under-21s by his loan club, continued to graft, eventually forcing Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray to select him early on against the leaders of the burnley league.
And the United star hasn’t looked back since, scoring five times in the last 10 games and also registering an assist. His goal against Wigan on Thursday was the pick of the lot.
THANKS TO THE FANS FOR THE SUPPORT ❤️????????. @SunderlandAFC pic.twitter.com/nYQiSVpbkZ
– Amad???????? (@Amaddiallo_19) December 30,
Not only in terms of performance, but also his work rate, dribbling ability and willingness to track down and help his teammates have drawn praise from his new boss.
So much so that he is now considered a cult hero on Tyne and Wear. And the fans have been demanding that the club try to keep him for a longer period.
United, on the other hand, even included a withdrawal clause in his loan deal and with the goals drying up at Old Trafford and the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, there were calls for the club to retire their powerhouse winger.
Even the Sunderland manager had answered these queries and hoped that Amad’s parent club would allow him to continue his development for the Championship side.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that the 20-time English champions are genuinely impressed with what happened during the Ivory Coast international’s loan spell.
United should allow Amad to continue at Sunderland
“Manchester United are very happy with Amad Diallo and his development on loan at Sunderland. The goals, the quality and the attitude have been excellent”, the Italian tweeted.
While there have been no discussions of a potential retirement, the club has rejected permanent approaches from certain Italian clubs who still believe Amad can be good.
“No option to buy, also Man Utd turned down offers from Italy for a permanent move months ago.”
A recall would halt Amad’s development as, despite United’s lack of firepower up front, Amad is not physically capable of leading the line in the Premier League.
He can excel as a winger, but the club is already well equipped at the moment in that regard.
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