The £37 Million Bargain Man United Almost Forgot

It seems like an eternity since Manchester United signed Amad Diallo from Atalanta. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still at the helm, and this is what he said about Amad at the time of his signing: "He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come." The club's willingness to invest £37 million (£19m fixed + £18m add-ons) in an unproven 18-year-old highlighted their belief in his potential.

Sunderland Loan Spell (22-23 season)

In the same year that United signed Diallo, they also splashed £85 million on Brazilian winger Antony. While Antony settled into the first team, Diallo was sent on loan to Sunderland in the English second tier. Despite the difference in their price tags, Diallo's successful stint at Sunderland, where he recorded an impressive 17 goal contributions and adapted well to English football, suggested that he could be a bargain in comparison. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries that hampered his initial integration into Manchester United's first team, Diallo's perseverance has kept him in contention for future opportunities.

The image above showcases Amad Diallo's impressive shooting stats during his loan spell at Sunderland in the 2022-23 season. Over the course of 2,585 minutes in the English second league, Diallo demonstrated his ability to generate a high volume of shots, with a significant portion coming from inside the box. His shot accuracy and conversion rate highlight his potential as a goal-scoring threat from the right wing.

The Right-Wing Conundrum

Manchester United's struggles last season were exacerbated by a glaring weakness on the right wing, particularly due to the lack of a natural left-footed player. Antony, despite his £85 million price tag, often found himself predictable and easily nullified by defenders as he consistently cut back onto his dominant right foot.

In an attempt to address this issue, Erik ten Hag experimented with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho on the right flank. However, neither player truly fit the system, lacking the natural width and delivery of a traditional right-winger. Rashford, typically a striker or left-winger, struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar role, while Garnacho's youthful exuberance and pace were often offset by inexperience and decision-making. The absence of a left-footed player on the right wing limited United's attacking options and allowed opponents to focus on neutralising Antony's predictable moves.

Diallo's Emergence: A Game-Changer?

Amad Diallo's recent emergence could provide the solution to this persistent problem. As a natural right-winger with a left foot, Diallo offers a unique blend of pace, skill, and unpredictability. The significance of Diallo's left-footedness cannot be overstated in the context of Manchester United's right-wing issues. In recent years, the club has struggled to find a player who can provide natural width, deliver crosses, and cut inside to create shooting opportunities from the right flank.

Diallo's small stature (5'8") and low center of gravity allow him to quickly change direction and accelerate. He often uses inside-out movements to deceive defenders, creating space for crosses or shots. His exceptional close control and the ability to dribble in tight spaces and maintain possession under pressure is what enticed United to sign him in the first place.

The image showcasing Amad Diallo's possession stats during his loan spell at Sunderland highlights his ability to retain the ball under pressure and progress play. His high number of successful dribbles demonstrates his confidence in taking on defenders, a key attribute for a modern winger.

Looking Ahead: Diallo's Future at Manchester United

Ten Hag's decision to start Diallo over Garnacho against Southampton was a calculated gamble, and the Ivorian winger's impressive performance justified the manager's faith. His playing style involves frequent movement between the wings and central areas, enabling him to exploit defensive weaknesses. His ability to drop deeper to receive the ball or make runs into half-spaces is reminiscent of top wingers like Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva. These players have excelled in Pep Guardiola's system at Manchester City. This adaptability makes him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.

Diallo's passing stats from his loan spell at Sunderland, as shown in the image above, demonstrate his ability to contribute to the team's build-up play and create chances for his teammates. His dribbling also causes opponents to resort to fouls in order to stop him, which can then be used to his team's advantage. The Red Devils have been one of the most potent teams on the counter-attack in England over the past couple of seasons, and Diallo will add another rapid attacker to the mix.

As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Diallo's role evolves within the team and whether he can cement his place as Manchester United's long-term solution on the right wing. If he can live up to expectations, the young Ivorian could be the key to unlocking the full potential of Ten Hag's system and propelling United back to the top of English football.