Manchester United make breakthrough in contract talks with 'diamond' compared to Bukayo Saka

12/04/2024 08:54 AM

Manchester United have made a major breakthrough in contract talks with their unheralded ‘diamond’ one pundit compared with Bukayo Saka.

talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are hopeful of reaching an agreement with Amad Diallo over a new deal by the end of this month.

Diallo’s current deal 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-haul.

The Ivorian is seen as a key player by new manager Ruben Amorim.

Diallo was a shining star during Amorim’s home Premier League debut as the Red Devils beat Everton 4-0 thanks to braces from Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee.

The scoreline meant Amorim had steered United to a bigger margin of victory in a league match than they had managed throughout the entire reign of Erik ten Hag.

The maiden domestic victory came days after Amorim's team triumphed 3-2 over Bodo/Glimt to provide a week full of promising signs following a mildly disappointing 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town to kick off the Portuguese boss' tenure in charge.

Switching to a back-five system with wing-backs, Amorim's tactical changes have breathed life into certain members of the Manchester United squad.

None more so than Diallo, who was highlighted for his standout performances by both Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe on NBC’s ‘The 2 Robbies Podcast’ this week.

"Right now I'm going to go to my under-appreciated performer of the week," ex-Premier League midfielder Earle said.

“We knew Ruben Amorim was coming, we did a couple of breakdowns on the system and who would be where and wing-backs was one part where we weren't sure who would be where. 

"And Amad Diallo has been a little find for Ruben Amorim. Under Erik ten Hag, Diallo was in and out, didn't really know if he was playing, played a few European games, a few cup games.

“I got the sense every time I saw him that he looked a little frustrated because he never really felt he would get a real run in the team. He would come on and even if he played well he'd out of the team the next game. 

“But he's come into this role at right-wing-back. Two assists today [vs Everton], he was involved in everything good that Manchester United did. 

"What I've really been most impressed by is his understanding of the role. One of the worst positions in the world if you don't understand it – I hated it! You've got to go up and down and up and down and this kid looks like he's got most of that. 

"What I like is that he does his defensive side, he takes 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 underappreciated performer of the week. Because for all the big money that's been spent, all the big names that are around Manchester United, they might have just unearthed a little diamond."

Mustoe seconded the opinion, even comparing Diallo to Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka who started his club career as a full-back and wing-back before moving into a forward position permanently.

"I love him, I love him," Mustoe said. "And he's been there a little while, went on loan, just think about a left-footed small player on the right side, he's an end product guy…think Bukayo Saka. 

"Not always incredibly flashy but things happen when he gets the ball. Who wants to play right-wing-back for Manchester United? I don't know if anyone wants to do it but Diallo can. 

"And it all goes back to the team, he knows what he's doing. It’s what Man United have wanted for a long time now, a manager with a strong tactical game plan."

Unbeaten in his first three games in all competitions, Amorim will look to continue his strong start to management in England when Man United head south to London to face Arsenal on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta's side sit second in the Premier League table, six points ahead of Manchester United, but Amorim can take a huge step forward in the battle for the top four with a statement result at the Emirates.