Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag insists that "this has to be the year" that Amad Diallo unleashes his potential at Old Trafford, ahead of what is set to be a make-or-break season for the 22-year-old.
Diallo has struggled for consistent first-team opportunities at Old Trafford since joining United from Serie A side Atalanta in January 2021. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, the Ivorian has failed to live up to his £37.2M price tag thus far.
Loan Spells
Since making the switch from Atalanta, Diallo has spent most of his playing time on loan, first with Rangers during the second half of the 2021/22 season, and then in the Championship with Sunderland for the 2022/23 campaign.
Diallo failed to make a significant impact during his time in Glasgow, making 13 appearances in six months before returning to Old Trafford.
However, Diallo's spell in the North East was far more successful, as he flourished under Tony Mowbray in the Championship scoring an impressive 13 goals in 37 appearances for the Black Cats, gaining valuable first-team experience.
2023/24 Season
Following a fantastic loan spell in the Championship, the 22-year-old returned to United ahead of the 2023/24 season, ready to make an impact at Old Trafford. However, Diallo's season was derailed by a knee injury which put him out of action for 27 games, limiting him to 12 appearances throughout the season.
However, during those 12 appearances, the winger caught the eye of the Old Trafford crowd, as he finished the season strongly with some exciting play down the right flank.
The highlight of Diallo's United career to date came in March 2024, when he scored a dramatic extra-time winner to complete a stunning comeback for the Red Devils against bitter rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, sending Ten Hag's side to Wembley.
The Ivorian winger also put in a top-class performance against Newcastle in May, scoring and assisting in United's 3-2 win and looking a constant threat down the right wing as he ended the season with a string of energetic performances.
Pre-Season
Following a strong end to 2023/24 which saw Diallo start each of United's final three Premier League games of the season, the 22-year-old has continued his impressive form into pre-season.
The winger started United's pre-season clash against Rangers last Saturday and was arguably the best player on the pitch, scoring the first of two goals for the Reds as United secured a 2-0 win.
The Rangers supporters present at Murrayfield must have been bemused by the sight of the young winger tearing them apart, having previously looked out of his depth during his six-month loan spell at Ibrox back in 2022.
Diallo appears to have regained confidence and momentum in recent months and will be looking to continue this as United kick-off their pre-season tour of America against Arsenal this weekend.
Looking Ahead to the 2024/25 Season
Having recently turned 22, it is starting to feel like now or never for Diallo's United career. The 2024/25 season will be a crucial season for Diallo to prove himself at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag has challenged him to make it his year.
After the pre-season win over Rangers, Ten Hag said: "We have to see Amad in a different way. Of course, he is still young but he is not inexperienced anymore.
"At the end of last season, he had a very good time in our first team and played some good games. Now for this season, this has to be the year."
This suggests that Ten Hag is eager to give Diallo a chance this season. It will be interesting to see if the 22-year-old can grasp the opportunities given to him and become a key player for the Red Devils.
Despite being in excellent form, Diallo is certainly not a nailed-on starter for United yet. The youngster faces stiff competition for a starting spot, with only two of United's talented pool of wingers likely to start in United's opening fixture of the season against Fulham.
Diallo, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Facundo Pellistri are all set to be available for United come the start of the season on August 16, and will be battling to cement a spot in the starting 11 for the upcoming season.
Currently, Argentinian wonderkid Garnacho looks to have one of those two starting spots secured, having become an integral part of Ten Hag's side last season making 50 appearances. However, the other spot is up for grabs, with Rashford and Antony struggling for form at the back end of last season, Sancho only recently returning to the squad after being loaned out due to a dispute with Ten Hag, and Pellistri having yet to establish himself as a first-team regular.
With United competing on multiple fronts—domestic and European—there will be ample chances for Diallo to stake a claim. It certainly feels as though Diallo may be about to find the breakthrough he has been patiently waiting for since his arrival at the club.
What Does Diallo Bring to the United side?
Diallo's exceptional dribbling ability makes him a constant thorn in the side of opposition fullbacks. The 22-year-old is adept with both feet, which allows him to effectively glide past opposition fullbacks either on the outside or by cutting inside. His ability to do both makes him unpredictable and very difficult to defend against.
As well as creating chances for himself driving forward with the ball, Diallo is also excellent at creating chances for his teammates. He is often able to spot incisive passes and can bring a creative flair to the side.
Although his best position is on the right flank, Diallo also provides versatility.
The former Atalanta youngster is comfortable playing on both flanks. His natural right foot allows him to deliver precise crosses and take on defenders directly when he plays on the right. When he plays on the left, he is able to cut inside and create shooting opportunities or play incisive passes. Being able to switch flanks seamlessly makes it harder for opponents to predict and contain his movements.
Beyond the wings, Diallo is also capable of operating centrally as an attacking midfielder, linking play between the midfield and the forward line. His ability to find pockets of space and deliver passes can be crucial in unlocking stubborn defences, which is key in this role.
However, a potential drawback to his game is physicality. Standing at five foot eight inches tall, Diallo is outmuscled by defenders at times and may need to further build his strength to unlock his potential.
However, this is no doubt that his loan spell in the Championship helped Diallo adapt to the physicality of English football. Despite not being the strongest, what he lacks in strength he makes up for with agility and speed, with his diminutive figure giving him a low centre of gravity. United fans will be hoping that the physicality of the Premier League does not undermine Diallo's performances over the season ahead.
Consistency will be key for the young forward over the upcoming season. Diallo has demonstrated his flair and creativity in spurts but now needs to deliver high-level performances week in, week out. If he is able to do so, there is no doubt he will have a bright future ahead at Old Trafford.
Ultimately, signing a young winger who had only registered four senior appearances with Atlanta before making the switch to the Premier League was always going to be a risk for the Red Devils, especially for such a hefty fee. However, it was a risk that could well still pay off for the Reds.
The talent and potential are undeniably there; what remains is for him to seize the opportunities that come his way. Will Diallo rise to the occasion and become an integral player at Old Trafford, or will he fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.
