Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly considering fielding Amad Diallo in a new role when he returns from injury.
The 22-year-old was arguably the Red Devils’ most consistent performer before his momentum was halted by an ankle problem which could keep him out until the end of the season.
The Ivorian became a regular starter under Amorim after being snubbed in favour of Antony during Erik ten Hag’s tenure. With the Portuguese in charge, Diallo made some appearances as a right wingback in the 3-4-2-1 formation, but his most mesmerising displays came as an attacking midfielder with a license to drift wide or cut to the centre.
But according to Give Me Sport, the Man Utd manager could decide to deploy the former Sunderland and Rangers player as a wingback rather than buying a new option to alternate with the likes of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
Curiously, this comes only a few days following Geovany Quenda’s snub, a player with almost similar characteristics to Amad. The Sporting CP teenager decided to turn down the opportunity to reunite with Amorim in favour of agreeing terms with Chelsea.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Amorim’s system played an integral role in the 17-year-old’s decision, as he didn’t fancy a wingback role, but would rather play as an attacking winger in Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 system.
Ruben Amorim urged not to play Amad Diallo at wingback
Therefore, Manchester Evening News journalist Isaac Seelochan urges the United head coach to abstain from making what could be a harmful decision for both club and player.
“It would be a shame to restrict Amad’s attacking potential out-wide although he could offer plenty of pace and some much-needed work ethic in that position. The Ivorian has been a revelation under Amorim, and his return cannot come soon enough,” argued Seelochan.
This is certainly a valid argument on the journalist’s part. Amad certainly has certainly displayed his work ethic with his tendency to drop back and help his teammates in the defensive phase whenever required, but overloading him with defensive duties would burn his attacking capacity.
The Ivory Coast international is simply born to cause havoc in the final third where he is almost ‘unstoppable’, as described by his captain Bruno Fernandes.
Moreover, one of the reasons behind Man Utd’s slow yet noticeable improvement under Amorim as of late is their newly-found defensive solidity, which could be partially attributed to boasting physically strong and defensively sound options at wingback. And while Diallo may have the discipline, the art of defending is not necessarily his strong point.
