Ten Hag: I don't want to stop Amad's process by recalling him

Amad Diallo has been enjoying a run of fantastic form during his loan spell at Sunderland, with seven goals and assists in his last 11 appearances. With Jadon Sancho currently undergoing fitness work and United short for options in attack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag has been questioned over whether he would be interested in recalling Amad from his loan spell.

We consider everything. As long as it’s strengthening the squad. But at the same time, I have a little bit of a reservation for that because I don’t want to stop the process. He’s [making] really good progress there, so I’m happy with that. But I know also, they need experiences, young players. When we decide [for him] to come back, he has to be a player who can be starting XI, compete for starting XI [at a] minimum, for a lot of games to come in and have an impact.

I see and I value his potential and his capabilities. I saw that he needs experience in men’s football, senior football. I think in many aspects of football, to get stronger physically, mentally, also skills-wise to improve that, to develop that, so that he can have value for us.

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray had previously been asked whether he thought Amad’s impressive form would lead to a recall.

On the back of Amad’s loan last season (at Rangers), I think it’s such a better position for him and for his football club at this moment that he stays and plays his football with a smile on his face. Hopefully he will keep scoring and creating chances for us.

I haven’t heard that from Erik ten Hag’s voice, I’m just assuming that that’s the case with his football club because there haven’t been any rumours that they might be doing this and this.

My experience tells me he is in a really good place, so leave him, let him enjoy his football, and let him grow and develop. Otherwise, what’s he doing? He could go back to Manchester United and maybe not even get on their bench. He’s a young guy who’s had a tough period, he’s now found a bit of form and somewhere where he is settled and looking happy, so I would just let him keep going.