Manchester United's stance on new Sunderland signing Amad Diallo - and why it didn't work out at Rangers

United spent a reported fee of £19million on the youngster in 2021, while the forward was loaned out to Rangers last season.

To find out more, we caught up with Steven Railston from the Manchester Evening News to ask about the Ivory Coast international.

What can Sunderland fans expect from Diallo?

SR: “Sunderland fans can expect a player that should be desperate to make a strong impression.

"Amad is a naturally creative player and he is strongest around the opposition's box - where he can link up with team-mates and provide crosses from the channel - but he remains a raw talent and he needs regular first-team football to accelerate his development.

"Although Amad might struggle with the physicality of the Championship to begin with, that should be expected because he has played limited minutes at first-team level. Amad usually stands out in U23 matches but he needs to make the next step at Sunderland.”

What is his best position?

SR: “Amad's best position is right-wing, although he would be capable of playing on the opposite side.

What's his contract situation at United?

SR: “He has a contract until the end of June 2025 but there is an option of an extra year.

Why hasn't he been able to break into the first team?

SR: “Amad scored against AC Milan in the Europa League shortly after signing for the club and it seemed like he would establish himself in the first-team, despite being so young.

"However, his progress stalled, he sustained an injury and United signed Jadon Sancho last summer. Anthony Elanga was also deemed to be ahead of him and he was brought into the first-team to play on the right-wing.

"Amad was clearly not ready for the first-team and that's why he was loaned to Rangers in January after recovering from his injury. That loan move started well but it ultimately didn't work out, with Amad starting just two league matches.

"He looked too lightweight in Scotland and he wasn't ready for such a high-pressure environment. He currently does not look worth the initial £19million paid but he's still got his best years ahead of him.”

Do United still believe he can be a first-team asset?

SR: “Sources at the club would insist he can still be a first-team asset, but I would have my doubts at this stage. It seems he might not make the grade at Old Trafford, but that doesn't mean he can't have an excellent career elsewhere.

"Sunderland feels like a chance he needs to take for a long-term future in Manchester.”

Read more

The verdict on Sunderland's summer window, deadline day and how they'll manage the areas of concern left

Kristjaan Speakman explains Sunderland's loan decision on Carl Winchester

Do you think he'll be a good signing for Sunderland and is there anything else fans should know?

SR: “The jury remains very much out on Amad, but it would be too harsh to judge such a young player without a season's evidence of first-team football.

"He certainly has the technical ability to get fans out of their seats if he manages to put it all together while on loan at Sunderland.

“Regarding something fans should know, Man United have informed the local press he should be referred to as just 'Amad'.”