Amad Diallo finally making a positive impression at Sunderland

FT Desk

• 3 Nov 2022 12:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo has scored twice in his last three games for Sunderland - a relief for the powers that be at Old Trafford.

Man Utd paid Atalanta €40 million for Diallo's services in January 2021 after the young Ivorian had lit up the Italian youth ranks.

The winger, still a teenager, had scored 38 goals and assisted 24 more in 96 games for Atalanta's age group teams after joining them in 2015, and there was significant excitement when he moved onto Old Trafford.

READ: Amad Diallo's value PLUMMETS as Man Utd flop set for another loan stint

But he is yet to earn Man Utd's trust, and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Rangers in Scotland. Three goals in 13 games followed, and there was still suspicion about his end product when he completed a similar move to Sunderland in August.

"He has all these soft, lovely feet and brilliant skills," said Black Cats manager Tony Mowbray. "But he needs to shoot when he gets in the box. When he sees the goal, he needs to shoot, and he needs to add goals and assists to his name."

Goalscoring form

Now, Diallo finally seems to be taking his coach's words on board. He opened the scoring as Sunderland were beaten 4-2 by Burnley two weeks ago, and added a second strike in three games as they won 2-0 at Huddersfield on Wednesday.

READ: Man Utd wonderkid told: You've got no end product!

Diallo's improved decision-making was on display at John Smith's Stadium when he scored. He spotted the better placed Ellis Simms to his left and found him, but continued his run in case the defenders then swarmed the striker. They did, but he had continued his run and Simms returned the favour before Diallo scored.

Whether Diallo can get back in the United team at the end of his loan remains to be seen. Antony has flourished in his position - as a left-footed right winger - since his €100m arrival from Ajax, while Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga provide further competition in the wide areas.