Man Utd identify exciting new target after Quenda hijack

Tom Weber

Updated: 30 Mar 2025 13:32 CDT
4 min read

Manchester United have begun scouting Como winger Assane Diao after missing out on Geovany Quenda, according to a report.

The Red Devils had viewed Sporting CP wonderkid Quenda as one of their top targets heading into the summer window. Ruben Amorim was keen to reunite with the 17-year-old, and the feeling was certainly mutual.

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STATS

Assane Diao

F, M (R)

Como

Assane Diao

F, M (R)

Como

12

Games
5

Goals
0

Assists

However, Man Utd couldn't finalise a deal due to their ongoing sporting and financial uncertainty, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and agree a €51 million transfer.

There have been conflicting reports as to how Man Utd will deal with this setback. Some have claimed that they could target Braga's Roger Fernandes as a like-for-like alternative.

Others have asserted that the Old Trafford club won't look to sign a direct Plan B, while there could also be an in-house solution, with youngster Bendito Mantato set to sign his first professional deal next week. Amorim is said to be a huge fan of the versatile wide player.

Man Utd scout Diao

However, it seems that Man Utd are nevertheless exploring options in the market. According to Nicolo Schira, the Red Devils have begun scouting Como winger Assane Diao.

The Senegal international burst onto the scene at Real Betis last season. He scored several times in his first few games but eventually dropped off a bit. Diao joined Cesc Fabregas' ambitious Como project in January and immediately hit like a bomb.

The 19-year-old scored five times in his first eight Serie A games for the promoted side. He has now failed to find the net in his previous four outings, but he has certainly put his name on the map again.

Schira reports that a Man Utd scout was in attendance to watch Diao in action against Empoli on Saturday, with the game finishing in a 1-1 draw. The journalist does not state whether Como would be willing to discuss business so soon after signing him.

However, Fabregas and president Mirwan Suwarso have both made it clear that they intend to keep their exciting players around long-term to establish the club in Serie A.

"We have no intention of selling any of our players, at least not in the near future," Suwarso told Calcio e Finanza last month. "Maybe in three or four years - because it would be naive to say that player sales aren’t part of the business. And we’re not short on money - we are well-backed."