Erik ten Hag confirms Amad Diallo loan plan amid potential January recall to Man United

Erik ten Hag has made his stance clear on the possibility of Manchester United recalling Amad Diallo from his loan at Sunderland this month.

Amad, 20, has been flourishing in the Championship this season with the Black Cats. He has six goals and one assist in 12 starts in the competition.

His most recent finish was an impressive long-range strike in Sunderland’s 4-1 win over Wigan Athletic. Whilst he didn’t score in Sunday’s draw against Blackpool, the winger was one of the best players on the pitch at Bloomfield Road.

Meanwhile, United are looking to strengthen their frontline after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November. Cody Gakpo was earmarked as a potential signing but a lack of funds allowed Liverpool to take the Netherlands star.

It seems that The Reds are only going to be able to be in the market for players on loan this month. With Ten Hag‘s persistence on any incoming being the correct type for his team, it seems a slim chance that United will find that player. Joao Felix is one option but Atletico Madrid’s demands are far too high for the Old Trafford club.

Recalling Amad has been a suggestion floating around the fan base in recent weeks due to his excellent performances at The Stadium of Light. Ten Hag admits the possibility has been reviewed but fears halting the development of the Ivorian winger.

“We consider everything, as long as it’s strengthening the squad,” Ten Hag explained. “But at the same time, I have a little bit of a reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process [of Amad’s development]. He’s [making] really good progress there, so I’m happy with that.

“When we decide [for him] to come back, he has to be a player who can be starting XI, compete for starting XI [at a] minimum, for a lot of games to come in and have an impact.”

The wide forward was part of the United pre-season squad that travelled to Thailand and Australia. He made four appearances and scored once on the tour. However, the conclusion Ten Hag made at the time was that a loan deal was the right path.

“In that moment, I didn’t see him as a starting XI [player] or a player who already had an impact. But I see and value his potential and his capabilities.

“I saw that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think in many aspects of football, to get stronger physically, mentally, also skills-wise to improve that, to develop that, so that he can have value for us.”