James picks out the greatest strengths of Man Utd new boy Amad Diallo

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:07 BST
• 2 min read

Amad Diallo has been praised by Manchester United team-mate Daniel James for the impression he has made at training.

Diallo only joined the Red Devils in January from Atalanta but thanks to two stellar displays from the Under-23 side has rapidly made his way into the first-team picture.

Although manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has played down the possibility of Diallo starting Thursday’s Europa League return leg against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, the Norwegian has already confirmed the 18-year-old will be in the squad.

James, meanwhile, has hailed what 18-year-old Diallo has shown in terms of his ability.

“Amad has come in and, as a young lad, he’s been unbelievable in training,” James told Man Utd’s official website.

“I mean his professionalism is very good and he’s settled in straight away. We see his quality in training, he has unbelievable feet, but we’ve seen he also presses well and wins the ball back, which is exactly what we want.”

James: I must always be ready

Diallo is expected to compete with James for a first-team spot. The Wales international’s own future at Old Trafford has been in the spotlight, although after running into positive form lately, it is under less scrutiny.

Indeed, he was on target in Man Utd’s 4-0 first-leg win against Sociedad.

“I think, whenever I get called upon, I must always be ready,” the 23-year-old said.

“It was an enjoyable game. At times, we had to be patient as they had a bit of the ball. We always knew that because they are a very good team, especially on the ball. So they were going to keep it, at times, but I think our game plan came together a lot better in the second half. We made a lot of breaks and that is how we got the goals.

“Obviously it’s not over yet as they have still got to come to us, but we will go into the game with the same attitude as we did for the away tie.”