Manchester United fans are eagerly anticipating how their squad will shape up when Ruben Amorim officially takes the reins and implements his new 3-4-3 formation after the international break.
Numerous Reds may have to adapt to new positions in order to cater to the manager’s demands, and we may see some mainstays dropped from the line-up while Amorim ponders the best 11 at his disposal.
In any event, supporters hope that one player, in particular, will be given his chance to shine by being granted increased minutes: Amad Diallo.
His situation has raised eyebrows in recent weeks as, despite beginning the season as one of United’s most threatening attackers, he has not started a Premier League game since September 21 in a stalemate at Selhurst Park.
In the subsequent match, a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Amad made a brief five-minute cameo off the bench before being an unused substitute against both Aston Villa and Brentford.
United faithful left perplexed by Amad’s reduced minutes
It’s remarkable when taking into account that when the 22-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes in the 3-0 win over Southampton earlier in the term, he recorded nine touches in the opposition’s box, four ball recoveries, one assist and six chances created – the latter statistic remains the highest amount of chances created by any United player in a league game this campaign, per StatmanDave, making it no surprise he labelled Amad a ‘superstar’ in the making for his exploits.
The Ivorian’s contract is set to expire in June 2025 as things stand, meaning he would be able to open talks with foreign clubs regarding a potential move in January – although United do have the option of activating a one-year extension.
They’re looking to tie him down a lengthier deal, though, and, in a significant boost for INEOS, Amad is keen to stay at Old Trafford even in the midst of his game time conundrum.
Graeme Bailey revealed via FootballTransfers: “Obviously, they’ve been talking since the summer and hope to get it done by January. I think there’s a real confidence he will sign. The club rate him very highly.
“They may take up the option just to get him through until the summer, but they will not be taking the option against Diallo’s wishes. He wants to stay, he wants a new deal, and when you have everybody pulling in the same direction, it does lean towards him signing a new deal.
“Ideally, it would have been done by now, but I don’t think it’ll be a major issue.”