Manchester United have made a major breakthrough in contract negotiations with their unheralded ‘Diamond’ One pundit Bukayo Saka.
The Pitch Prospect understands the Red Devils hope to reach an agreement with Amad Diallo on a new contract by the end of this month.
3
Diallo’s current contract expires next summer and although United have the option to extend it for a further 12 months, they want to tie him down for the long term.
The Ivorian is seen as a key player by new coach Ruben Amorim.
Diallo was a shining star in Amorim’s Premier League home debut as the Red Devils beat Everton 4-0 thanks to braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.
The result meant that Amorim had led United to a greater margin of victory in a league game than they had managed throughout Erik ten Hag’s reign.
The first domestic win came just days after Amorim’s side beat Bodo/Glimt 3-2, marking a week full of promising signs following a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town to start the Portuguese coach’s tenure .
By switching to a five-man full-back system, Amorim’s tactical changes have breathed life into some members of the Manchester United squad.
None more so than Diallo, who was highlighted for his outstanding performances by both Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe on NBC’s “The 2 Robbies Podcast” this week.
“For now I’m going to focus on my underrated player of the week,” said former Premier League midfielder Earle.
“We knew Ruben Amorim was coming, we made a few glitches in the system and who would be where, and the full-backs were a part where we weren’t sure who would be where.”
“And Amad Diallo was a little discovery for Ruben Amorim. Under Erik ten Hag, Diallo was back and forth, didn’t really know if he was playing, played a few European games, a few cup games.
3
“Every time I saw him I felt like he looked a little frustrated because he never really felt like he was really getting into the team. He kept coming back in, and even if he played well, he would be out of the team the next time he played the game.
“But he has taken on that role as a right-back. Two assists today.” [vs Everton]He was involved in every good thing Manchester United did.
“What really impressed me the most is his understanding of the role. One of the worst positions in the world if you don’t understand it – I hated it! You have to go up and down and up and down and this boy looks like he has most of it.
“What I like is that he plays his defensive side and takes on that responsibility. And then when it breaks, it breaks with energy and it breaks with quality.
“He was a bit of a find for me and he is my underrated performer of the week. Because with all the big money being spent, all the big names surrounding Manchester United, they might have just unearthed a little diamond.”
Mustoe echoed this sentiment and even compared Diallo to Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka, who started his club career as a full-back and wing-back before moving to the striker position permanently.
3
“I love him, I love him,” Mustoe said. “And he’s been there for a while, gone out on loan, just think of a left-footed little player on the right, he’s a finished product guy… think of Bukayo Saka.
“Not always incredibly flashy, but when he gets the ball things happen. Who wants to play right-back for Manchester United? I don’t know if anyone wants to do it, but Diallo can.
“And it’s all down to the team, they know what they’re doing. This is what Man United have wanted for a long time: a coach with a strong tactical game plan.”
Amorim, unbeaten in his first three games in all competitions, will look to continue his strong start as manager in England when Man United travel to London to face Arsenal on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit second in the Premier League table, six points ahead of Manchester United, but Amorim can take a big step forward in the battle for the top four with a convincing result at the Emirates.