Unlike targeting only high-profile stars for big money in the past, Manchester United now are eyeing young stars with the potential to grow as seen from deals for Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.
And with finances at a premium, the Red Devils could be about to target young players once again in the summer as INEOS look to supply Ruben Amorim with a consistent goalscoring option.
Assane Diao is a versatile attacker capable of playing in multiple positions across the frontline and United were eyeing him since his days in Real Betis.
But his improved form since his January switch to Como has made the Red Devils sit up and take notice with journalist Nicolò Schira revealing that United had sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in action on Saturday.
Diao being scouted
“A Manchester United scout was at Sinigaglia Stadium yesterday to watch the game between Como and Empoli to monitor the winger Assane Diao (born in 2005),” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The winger has five goals from only 11 starts while he had managed only six strikes in the last two seasons combined for the Spanish side.
🚨 Excl. – A #ManchesterUnited’s scout was yesterday at Sinigaglia Stadium to watch the game between #Como and Empoli to monitore the winger Assane #Diao (born in 2005). #transfers #MUFC #mutd
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 29, 2025
The Lariani spent €12 million in the winter to bring him to Como and Diao has certainly repaid their trust with goals against Juventus and Napoli just to name a few.
Como drew with Empoli with manager Cesc Fabregas praising the Senegalese after the match, claiming he was the only player who was giving his all for the cause.
Impressive form
“The only player I liked today was Assane Diao, even though he only returned from international duty on Thursday. He was the only one who tried something,” the former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder was quoted as saying.
Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Senegal international in the past with the player currently valued at €25 million as per Transfermarkt with his deal valid until 2029.
Given his current “ridiculous” form, Como are likely to ask for a lot more should United come calling in the summer.
Diao had started his career at Cadiz before securing a move to Real Betis back in 2021. And despite interest from plenty of clubs, Fabregas lured him to Como in January with the player claiming it was a dream to play under the former Premier League legend.
Feature image Marco Luzzani via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
