Manchester United achieves great progress in contract negotiations with the 'diamond' compared to Bukayo Saka
Manchester United have made a breakthrough in contract negotiations with their unknown 'diamond', an expert compared to Bukayo Saka.
talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are hoping to agree with Amad Diallo on a new deal later this month.
Diallo's current contract expires next summer and while United have the option to extend it for a further 12 months, they want to tie him down for the long term.
The Ivorian is seen as a key player by new coach Ruben Amorim.
Diallo was a shining star during Amorim's home debut in the Premier League as the Red Devils beat Everton 4-0 thanks to braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.
The score meant that Amorim had led United to a greater margin of victory in a league match than they had achieved during the entire reign of Erik ten Hag.
The first national victory came days after Amorim's team triumphed 3-2 over Bodo/Glimt, providing a week full of promising signs after a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw in ipswich town to begin the mandate of the Portuguese coach.
Moving to a back-five system with full-backs, Amorim's tactical changes have given life to certain members of the Manchester United squad.
None more so than Diallo, who stood out for his standout performances as Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe on NBC's 'The 2 Robbies Podcast' this week.
“Right now I'm going to pick my underrated player of the week,” said former Premier League midfielder Earle.
“We knew Ruben Amorim It was getting closer, we made a couple of breakdowns in the system and who would be where and the full-backs was a part where we weren't sure who would be where.
“And Amad Diallo has been a small discovery for Ruben Amorim. Low Erik ten HagDiallo was in and out, I didn't really know if he was playing, he played some European games, some cup games.
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“Every time I saw him I got the feeling that he seemed a little frustrated because he never felt like he would really have a real place on the team. He would come in and even if he played well, the next day he would be left off the team.” game.
“But he has taken on this right-back role. Two assists today (vs Everton), he was involved in everything good that Manchester United did.
“What has really impressed me the most is his understanding of the role. One of the worst positions in the world if you don't understand it: I hated it! You have to go up and down and up and down and this guy seems to have most of that.
“What I like is that he does his defensive side, he assumes that responsibility. And then, when he breaks, he breaks with energy and he breaks with quality.
“He's been a little find for me and he's my underrated performer of the week. Because despite all the big money that has been spent, all the big names that are around Manchester United, they may have unearthed a little diamond.”
Mustoe seconded the opinion, even comparing Diallo to the Arsenal sensation. Bukayo Saka who began his club career as a full-back and full-back before moving to a forward position permanently.
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“I love him, I love him,” Mustoe said. “And he's been there for a while, he was loaned out, just think of a small left-footed player on the right side, he's kind of an end product…think Bukayo Saka.
“He's not always incredibly flashy, but things happen when he gets the ball. Who wants to play right back for Manchester United? I don't know if anyone wants to do it, but Diallo can.
“And it all comes back to the team, he knows what he is doing. “He is what Manchester United have wanted for a long time, a coach with a solid tactical game plan.”
Unbeaten in his first three games in all competitions, Amorim will look to continue his good start to coaching in England when Man United head to south London to take on Arsenal on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta's side sit second in the Premier League standings, six points ahead of Manchester United, but Amorim can take a big step forward in the battle for the top four with an eye-catching result at the Emirates.
