Sunderland talked Manchester United into one of the signings of the 2022/23 campaign with the loan of Amad Diallo. The Ivorian was a standout performer for the Black Cats with 14 goals and setting up a further four more in 42 appearances.
Head coach Tony Mowbray will be hoping the form of Diallo and his development on Wearside will stand them in good stead for any possible loans from Old Trafford next season and beyond.
"I hope we can keep a close relationship with United, if they need to loan young players out," Mowbray told Manchester United's official website. "It’s amazing really, I’ve been in management a long time, like you’ve said, and even the likes of Joe Rothwell, who I had at Blackburn, came through the United ranks.
"Whether they never made it to the first-team level, they all were bedded through and came through that system really.
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"I think the game is littered with Manchester United players who came through their system, through their Academy system, and generally what you know is you get grounded, talented footballers who know what to do with the football. They know how to deal with the ball.
"When I’m looking for players, I always look to see what their background is, where they were brought up and the core values of what their football brain is about. You never really fall short with Manchester United players, whether they made it at first-team level or not as, generally, they’ve all been brought up properly.”
With that in mind, Chronicle Live has taken a look at who Sunderland could bring to the Stadium of Light.
Amad Diallo
The main target for Sunderland next summer should be the success story of the last campaign. Erik Ten Hag is set to cast his eye over Diallo in pre-season but early signs point towards another loan move.
Feyenoord, Everton and Leeds United have been linked with a move for the forward next season and Sunderland will have to pitch their development programme to the Red Devils, but the player is said to be keen on a return to the Stadium of Light. One of the best players in the Championship last season and knows how Sunderland want to play.
A no brainer.
Facundo Pellistri
Manchester Evening News claims the Uruguayan forward is the biggest name in need of a loan next season. Facundo Pellistri made just ten appearances in the 2022/23 campaign and is in need of more minutes for his development.
Erik Ten Hag clearly sees the 21-year-old as a talent, but isn't the final product yet. Sunderland unlocked Diallo's potential and could do the same with Pellistri.
The Uruguayan international spent the 2021-22 season on loan with Spanish side Alaves - making 23 appearances in all competitions.
Alvaro Fernandez
Another who could leave Manchester United this summer is defender Alvaro Fernandez. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan with Championship side Preston North End and impressed during his time at Deepdale.
Competition for places at left-back at Old Trafford is fierce and he - like Diallo - could be given an opportunity to prove his worth. The Spanish U21 international could be a shrewd addition with a lack of competition at left-back at the Stadium of Light with Dennis Cirkin the main man to oust.
Brandon Williams
Full-back Brandon Williams is another who could leave Old Trafford this summer. Ten Hag has quite the job on his hands to rebuild the Red Devils and make them title contenders and the 22-year-old has struggled with injuries.
One a regular at Old Trafford, he's set for a make or break summer to prove his worth, but a Sunderland lifeline could do all parties the world of good. A Europa League and FA Cup runner up and Carabao Cup winner.
