Man Utd news: When will Amad Diallo debut?

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 17:24 BST
• 2 min read

Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that new signing Amad Diallo could make his debut for the club within the next month.

Earlier this season, the Red Devils agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign the 18-year old for an initial £22.5m [€25m], with the fee potentially raising to €40m depending on achievements and performance.

Diallo had previously starred for Atalanta’s U19 side and made his Serie A debut on 27th October 2019, when he came off the bench for the senior side against Udinese, scoring his first senior goal for the club in that match, too, as Atalanta won 7-1.

He is the first player born in the year 2002 to feature in the Italian top flight.

Thought Solskjaer previously admitted that this was a signing for the future, he has now suggested his debut could be in the offing.

“Very good,” the Norwegian said of the impression Diallo has made so far, as reported by Manchester Evening News.

“He can handle the ball, he’s enjoyed training, he makes a difference in training, which is quite remarkable at his age.

“There’s some adjustment to settle into the hustle and bustle and the physical part of the Premier League but I can’t see it being too long until he’s in the squad.

“It might be quicker than [four or five weeks], who knows? He’s definitely settled down well, the players have taken to him, he’s a very good character, a very polite, smiley boy who works really hard.

“He’s doing his sessions, getting used to us, of course, there’s always a period of adjustment needed but he’s settling in well.”

Solskjaer has tipped Diallo to be a success at Old Trafford for the next decade.

Man Utd are set to be active in the January transfer market, though likely with outgoings rather than incomings.

Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Sergio Romero, and Brandon Williams are among a group of players who could leave either permanently or on loan.