Sunderland chief addresses whether Man United winger Amad will return on loan this summer

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Championship side Sunderland.

Amad, 20, experienced a successful spell at the Stadium of Light. He was influential in the promoted club gaining a sixth place finish.

With 14 goals – including one in the play-off semi-final first leg – and three assists, the Ivorian winger bounced back from a disappointing loan spell at Rangers in the season prior.

Manager Tony Mowbray was key to Amad’s development across the season as he added better final product to his game.

Man United’s pre-season campaign is coming up and the wide man will be assessed by Erik ten Hag over the course of the eight games. However, recent reports suggest that he could be going back out on loan for the upcoming season.

Amad’s preference, if that were to happen, is supposedly a reunion with the Black Cats, after building a strong relationship with the club’s fanbase. However, it seems an unlikely event following Sunderland Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman’s latest comment.

He has been full of praise for his team’s former player but has played down a potential return as he believes Amad should be playing at a higher level.

“I’m so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray] and had a vibrant smile on his face,” said Speakman, as quoted by The Northern Echo. “He loved it. Naturally, that’s what we want.

“Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don’t think so. He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever.

“That’s the level of player he is. The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want to come to Sunderland.”

There has been interest in the player from several top flight clubs across England, Italy and the Netherlands.

Of course, there is the option to remain at Old Trafford if Amad proves his worth to Ten Hag over pre-season.

United have Antony playing on the right-wing, but depth in the position is weak depending on where you believe Jadon Sancho plays his best football from.

Amad could provide solid competition for the Brazilian but United will have to assess what move is best for his development going forward.