€40m Man Utd flop Amad Diallo’s miserable Sunderland debut
Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo began his Sunderland career in the worst possible way as his new side lost against Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby.
Diallo joined Sunderland from United on a one-year loan prior to deadline day, hoping to finally make an impact in English football after an underwhelming spell with Rangers in the second-half of last season.
The Ivorian came off the bench in the 66th minute but could not stop the Mackems from suffering defeat in Tony Mowbray’s first game in charge, with Riley McGree scoring a 25th minute winner for Boro.
The 20-year-old failed to stamp his mark on the game during his 24 minute cameo, managing just 15 touches and completing 10 of his 11 passes.
Will Diallo make the grade at Old Trafford?
Diallo has only made three Premier League appearances since signing for United from Atalanta in January 2021 for an initial €25 million, potentially rising to €40m after add-ons.
The winger had only played five times for Atalanta’s first team before joining United and was the first player born after 2002 to score in Serie A when he netted against Udinese on his league debut in 2019.
Diallo has been capped three times for the Ivory Coast, scoring once, and grabbed three goals in 13 appearances for Rangers last season.
Despite a slow star to his career with United, the club still rate Diallo highly and he has three years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford.
With the club having invested heavily in the youngster, he will still be allowed time to develop, however all parties will be hoping that progress is shown during his time at Sunderland.