90min

Erik ten Hag reveals what Amad Diallo can bring to Man Utd attack

  • Diallo missed the first half of the season with a knee injury
  • The forward returned to action against Nottingham Forest last weekend
  • Ten Hag has discussed his potential impact after brilliant loan with Sunderland last term

By Jack Gallagher

Amad is fully fit again
Amad is fully fit again / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages
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Erik ten Hag has hailed the potential impact Amad Diallo could have on Manchester United's misfiring attack after recovering from injury.

Amad returned to Man Utd during the summer following an extremely successful loan spell in the Championship with Sunderland - in which he scored 14 goals from out wide - and a lot was expected of the youngster ahead of the 2023/24 season.

However, a serious injury saw Amad miss the first half of the campaign, with the wide forward finally making his long-awaited comeback on December 30 as a substitute in the Red Devils' 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

In Amad's absence, Man Utd have thoroughly struggled in the offensive third this season, with Ten Hag's side scoring fewer goals than newly-promoted Luton Town in the Premier League thus far.

Speaking to the club's official website, manager Ten Hag hinted the 21-year-old's return to fitness may provide some much-needed spark to his attacking lineup.

He said: "Yeah, 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."

Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes
Back in action / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages

Along with Amad, fellow long-term absentees Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are edging towards full fitness again with both spotted in training this week.

Speaking about the pair's return, Ten Hag added: "Two class players and they will bring the team forward. We know that and now we're looking forward to their return in the team on matchdays.

"But we have to wait for that. They still need some time to fully make their comeback but yeah, it is a good signal that they are back on the grass with the team, in the team training. Now, we have to make the next step [to get them] fully in the team training, and then they can work with us."

While Casemiro and Martinez aren't expected to play a part in Monday's FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic, Amad could be in line for his first start of the season.

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