Manchester United winger Amad Diallo could have a bright future under the club's new part-ownership regime. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's right-hand man, Sir Dave Brailsford, is reported to be a fan of the 21-year-old, who he tried to take to OGC Nice while still a teenager.
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United forked out a whopping £37million on Diallo back in 2021, by which time he had played only five senior games for Atalanta. He is still waiting to announce himself as a force at Old Trafford after successful loan spells with Rangers and Sunderland.
Diallo was set for a prominent first-team role this campaign until coming down with an unfortunate knee injury in August. The youngster has only just returned to match fitness, making his comeback off the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last month.
And if INEOS sporting director Sir Dave has got anything to do with it, Diallo could be in and around the United starting XI for years to come.
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According to The Athletic, the 59-year-old jetted to Manchester back in 2022 in an attempt to bring Diallo to INEOS-owned OGC Nice on loan. The enquiry was believed to be part of a wider set of conversations with United chief John Murtough about forging a partnership of sorts between United and the French club, which would have included the sharing of information and players.
Diallo's move to Nice never materialised and he spent the season at the Stadium of Light instead. But it suggests that Sir Dave, who is expected to play a major role in United's sporting operations, holds the winger in high esteem.
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The Red Devils are in desperate need of a winger capable of chipping in with goals and assists, with many of their current crop falling short of expectations. Antony and Marcus Rashford have both struggled to find their best form, piling extra pressure on youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
Mason Greenwood is on loan at Getafe and the club have indicated that his future lies elsewhere. Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, is set to leave Old Trafford after failing to resolve his public spat with Erik ten Hag.
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The stars have therefore aligned for Diallo to be given a crack at the starting XI over the coming weeks, and his first opportunity to impress may come at Wigan Athletic in Monday's FA Cup clash.
Speaking about the Ivory Coast international's attributes, Ten Hag said: "He is very ball secure. He can bring key actions, final passes, score a goal. And so I think he has some weapons. That is always what you are looking for with offensive players."
