Fabrizio Romano has revealed Manchester United are making “good progress” over a new deal for Amad Diallo with the 22-year-old winger considered “key” by head coach Ruben Amorim.
Amad has been in fantastic form in an unfamiliar right wing-back role since Amorim’s appointment last month following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on October 29.
The Sporting coach swapped Lisbon for Manchester during the November international break and has wasted no time in stamping his mark on his new team, implementing the trademark 3-4-3 system which brought him such success in Portugal.
One of the key areas for making this formation work is the wingback position, with Amorim often favouring the conversion of a winger, rather than pushing a fullback further forward.
Despite Amad’s diminutive stature, Amorim has recognised the Ivory Coast international’s potent pairing of technique and work rate make him an ideal candidate for the RWB role – with the 22-year-old immediately rewarding this faith.
Amad has returned three assists in his two starts since Amorim’s appointment, producing a brilliant run in the opening game against Ipswich Town for Marcus Rashford to convert from a cross, as well as two well-executed passes in the 4-0 demolition of Everton on Sunday following brilliant closing down of the opposition defence.
His general play has been excellent while his hard work on and, crucially in Amorim’s system, off the ball has been equally strong.
It’s no surprise therefore that Romano reveals Amad is considered “key for club and Amorim” with Old Trafford officials actively “working” on agreeing a new long-term deal.
🚨🔴 Understand Manchester United made good progress with Amad Diallo’s new contract in recent weeks!
United are working to get new long term deal done before the end of 2024… even before activating club clause to extend current deal until 2026.
Amad, key for club and Amorim. pic.twitter.com/uzPiCmohI0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 2, 2024
Tweet: “Understand Manchester United made good progress with Amad Diallo’s new contract in recent weeks! United are working to get new long term deal done before the end of 2024… even before activating club clause to extend current deal until 2026. Amad, key for club and Amorim.”
Amad’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, though the club retains an automatic twelve month extension. However, there is a strong desire at Old Trafford to lock down the talented Ivorian to a well-deserved contract extension without this clause being activated.
Amad’s versatility – capable of playing the wingback position or as one of the attacking midfielders in a 3-4-3 – makes him a valuable asset for Amorim, while his comfortability on the ball and in possession paints him in stark contrast to many of United’s other attackers, who often struggle in tight spaces.
A new deal, therefore, constitutes one of the most important pieces of business at the club ahead of what will undoubtedly be a busy summer of recruitment next year.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
