Is Amad Diallo ready to prove his worth at Manchester United?

Amad Diallo wants to show his worth and become a regular starter at Manchester United

Almost two years after signing a £19 million ($24 million) deal, Amad Diallo is still striving to realise his "dream" of playing regularly for Manchester United.

The Ivorian forward moved to England from Atalanta during the winter transfer window of 2021, and Premier League powerhouses were expected to polish him into a senior superstar. As Amad only made nine games for United before being loaned out to Rangers and Sunderland, he has had to wait until that procedure is completed.

Yet, the 20-year-old attacker is still certain that he can succeed at the Theater of Dreams. Amad has been making an impression while on loan at Sunderland this campaign, scoring 11 goals and dishing out three assists for the Championship team as he tries to persuade Erik Ten Hag and home club United that he would be valuable to them in 2023–24.

"I know it was a lot of money, but I didn’t really think about that; there’s no reason to worry about things you can’t influence. I was so happy to sign for Manchester United: it’s a club with a massive history, famous all around the world," Amad told FourFourTwo.

"I haven’t shown my best for them yet, but I hope next season I can return and prove my talent. My dream is to play regular football at Manchester United."

Amad has played nine times for United thus far, scoring once, in a tie with AC Milan during the 2020–2021 Europa League season. With the club's Under 23 team, he boasts a more outstanding resume, scoring six goals and dishing out four assists in only five outings in Premier League 2 after his entrance.

Beginning their inaugural season back in the Championship, Sunderland has mounted an improbable play-off campaign thanks to his goals. With only five games left to play in the campaign, the Black Cats sit four points below Blackburn Rovers in sixth place.

In the January transfer period, Ten Hag was rumoured to be contemplating summoning Amad back to United. Cristiano Ronaldo's departure has left the Red Devils lacking in offensive options.

Yet, the Dutchman decided to let him stay at Sunderland, knowing that United would benefit. Ten Hag left the door available for Amad to compete for a starting position in the upcoming season when he explained his choice to not return the attacker.

According to Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray, Diallo might have an influence on Manchester United in the upcoming campaign.

"I hope Amad will bring personality to the team when he gets back to Old Trafford, and he will find his niche in that group. … He can do huge numbers; his stamina is amazing; his top speed is good and yet, what catches the eye, is his ball manipulation and how tight he keeps that ball to his left foot."