Man Utd wonderkid urged to copy Lokonga after latest revelation

Cameron Smith

• 23 Feb 2024 11:20 CST
• 4 min read

Manchester United fans have urged Amad Diallo to follow Albert Sambi Lokonga’s lead and join a lower-level Premier League club on loan.

Lokonga, 24, is currently on loan at Luton Town and his form over the past few weeks has been mesmeric.

He was excellent during their narrow defeat against Man Utd last weekend and caught the eye again with his performance at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

The Belgian midfielder barely featured at Arsenal last season and following Kai Havertz’s summer arrival from Chelsea, Lokonga was set for a campaign of very few opportunities at the Emirates Stadium.

As a result, he was sent on loan to Kenilworth Road and the move has worked out brilliantly for all parties, with Luton, Arsenal and Lokonga all benefitting.

On the other hand, Amad Diallo has endured a tricky return to Man Utd following his successful stint at Sunderland last season. The Ivorian scored 14 goals and provided four assists in all competitions as he led the Black Cats to the play-off semi-finals in a fantastic loan move.

However, a knee injury in pre-season ensured Amad has been unable to contribute since returning to Old Trafford. Despite this injury, Amad is now back to full fitness and has been an unused substitute in each of Man Utd’s last five games in all competitions.

This lack of action is a cause for concern, especially given how well he played for Sunderland last season. Another worry is that Amad may have fallen behind a Man Utd academy star in the pecking order.

Rasmus Hojlund’s recent injury has provided hope for Amad, given he may be introduced into the starting XI as the Dane’s replacement.

However, according to X account AcademyScoop, who successfully reported that Kobbie Mainoo would make his Premier League debut against Everton in November, Omari Forson is set to start on Saturday instead.

The 18-year-old is a centre forward and would be a direct replacement for Hojlund, enabling Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho to remain as the Red Devils’ winger duo.

If Forson is selected ahead of Amad, then it will only enhance the Ivorian’s need for a loan, or permanent, move away.

Amad Diallo to leave Man Utd on loan?

With Lokonga shining out on loan, the Belgian has convinced many Arsenal fans that he deserves a long-term future at the club. Several Man Utd supporters believe the same could happen with Amad if he is loaned out next season.

In response to a video of Lokonga evading pressure from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo during Luton’s loss against Liverpool, X user @abzzinhoo posted: “Makes me think how many players are rotting on a big 6 bench right now that could change the life of a lesser team.”

In the comments of his post, several Man Utd fans suggested Amad’s name as someone who falls into this category.

The 21-year-old is evidently too good for the Championship - as seen by his campaign at Sunderland - but Erik ten Hag hasn’t yet been convinced by his talent. As a result, a loan move to a lower Premier League club could be ideal next season.

Crystal Palace would be a sensible destination if Michael Olise leaves this summer, while Everton and Fulham would also likely have room for Amad next campaign. Furthermore, the Man Utd star could be an ideal short-term replacement for Pedro Neto at Wolves too.

Amad is an extremely talented player and he deserves the chance to play regular Premier League football. If Man Utd can’t provide him the platform to achieve this, a move away is the only solution.