Amad Diallo completed his transfer to Manchester United this January after finishing his documentation in Italy. Last season, the 18-year-old winger was bought on deadline day, but he decided to join the club after 6 months to obtain a work permit. Since then, he has had quite a several games for the club getting minutes in the Premier League 2, the Premier League as well as Europa League, while scoring 5 and assisting 4.
Manchester United did not sign only one young and promising winger on the last day of the transfer window. Facundo Pellistri joined the club in the summer and has also been featuring for the U23s ever since. The Uruguayan has had a good start to the season, with three goals and an assist in eight games, but many United fans are far more optimistic about the arrival of Diallo. Many have questioned why the teenager is so highly regarded by United and their supporters, given that he has only played 59 minutes on the pitch for the Atalanta first team.
If he is given regular opportunities, the teenager's skill set appears to be ideal for a United side that has required a true right-sided winger since Nani's departure in 2015. Diallo is a very solid player on the right side of the field, and his fast feet and tendency to go inside or outside make him elusive for opposing defences.
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Diallo, who prefers his left foot, has the positional awareness to get around the defender and then cross with a cool head, typically going for a low, more precise cross instead of targeting an area. Solskjaer and his team seem to have identified their ideal form, with the ‘McFred' pivot providing defensive stability in the centre and both Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba providing attacking quality. Pogba playing from the left has meant Marcus Rashford will have to be shifted to the right side. Now, Rashford is not a proper right-winger and the options are Daniel James and Mason Greenwood. Both Diallo and Pellistri prefer the right side of the field, and Diallo is regarded as a great prospect despite having played just a few minutes in his pro career. That is a testimony to his incredible abilities.
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Massive talent also does not equate to high-level success. United supporters, more than anyone, ought to be aware of this. Diallo's emergence will be anxiously anticipated, particularly given the long wait, however, fans must allow the youngster time to adjust to a new league and a new world. So far, Pellistri has benefited greatly from his patience.
Due to the crowded schedule and a shortage of right-wingers, Amad will be given plenty of opportunities this season, but expectations for a player with so little senior football experience should be kept low.
