Erik ten Hag hints at start for forgotten Man Utd youngster against Sheffield Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may offer Amad Diallo his first Premier League start in almost three years, hinting he may get an opportunity against Sheffield United on Wednesday night.

The 21-year-old last started for the Red Devils in December 2021 and has so far made just six appearances off the bench this season. He notably he scored the winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals earlier this season though starts have continued to evade him.

But now it looks as if Amad may be handed a start against the Blades, after impressing Ten Hag lately.

Speaking ahead Wednesday's visit of Sheffield United, the Dutchman said: "Amad deserves it [to start matches], but don't forget he had a long period in the season injured. So we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and a real contribution.

"He played in a position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well. We have a number of players in that area, there is big competition.

"He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and we have Omari Forson. We have a number of players in that position and we have to make choices there.

"But I am very happy with his performances and his progress, I see his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game."

United head into Wednesday's game with four more injury concerns, with Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay all sustaining knocks in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City. However, Garnacho and Fernandes are expected to be fit, but there could still be room for Amad to start.

The Ivory Coast international moved to United after leaving Atalanta in October 2020, and so far just three of his 15 appearances have been as a starter. He sustained a knee injury during a pre-season clash with Arsenal in July, and has struggled to regain fitness since.

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