Amad Diallo has urged Sunderland supporters to be 'respectful' and to change a chant they sing about him due to it containing a racial stereotype.
Manchester United winger Amad has joined Sunderland on loan for the Championship season in a bid to continue his development with regular first-team minutes after last season's switch to Rangers didn't go to plan. After a slow start on Wearside, the Ivorian has begun to hit a rich vein of form, scoring four goals and claiming an assist in his last six appearances and becoming a regular starter in the side.
His performances have ingratiated him with the Black Cats' supporters so much so they have begun to sing a chant in his honour. However, Amad has asked supporters to change the lyrics of the song due to their stereotypical content.
Read more: United are being invited to make their next England signing
"Sunderland fans I've had an amazing time so far," Amad said in a video message on Sunderland's official Twitter account. "I love your energy and having you sing my name is incredible.
"But we need to be respectful. Let's change the song, keep the noise and move forward together."
The 20-year-old's recent performances have impressed officials at United and there is now hope that he will be able to establish himself in the first-team squad when he returns to Manchester. It's understood that sources at United believe he is now thriving after getting a consistent run of playing time.
So much so that United will consider exercising their option to recall Amad from his loan early in January as they look to cope with the unexpected departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about the possibility of losing Amad, Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray said: "We’ll have to wait and see what happens but we’re not sitting here at the moment thinking, ‘Oh, Man United are going to take him back in January because he’s going to go and make a massive impact for them’", as per the Newcastle Chronicle.
"I think Man United are in an alright place aren’t they? They’re doing okay. “They’ve got a young Argentinian lad [Alejandro Garnacho] coming through who’s been scoring a few goals for them, and I’m sure they’ll be wanting to give him a chance. [Christian] Eriksen obviously looks really talented, and their midfield has been shaken up a little bit.
"They started with Fred and [Scott] McTominay, but now you’ve got lots of different options with the likes of Casemiro, Antony and [Bruno] Fernandes as well. I guess the point I’m trying to make is that I’m not sure he’s going to be going back."
READ MORE:
