Manchester United told to keep Amad Diallo in first team

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has stated that re-signing Manchester United’s Amad Diallo on loan will be difficult as his quality is good enough for a top flight club.

Amad excelled on loan at the Stadium of Light in 2022-23, scoring 13 goals to help the Black Cats reach the Championship play-offs and strengthen his chances of a United first-team spot in 2023-24.

The Sunderland manager admitted that the Ivorian has outgrown the club and that he should be playing at a better level next season.

“I’m so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray] and had a vibrant smile on his face,” Speakman told The Northern Echo.

“He loved it. Naturally, that’s what we want. Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don’t think so. He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever.

“That’s the level of player he is. The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland.”

Amad will almost be Antony’s backup in United’s squad when he returns to Old Trafford this summer, but he is regarded as a player with enormous potential.