Sunderland may still have a glimmer of hope as far as bringing Manchester United forward Amad back to Wearside next season, according to a report. The Ivory Coast frontman spent a hugely successful loan spell with the Black Cats last term, ending up as the club's 14-goal top scorer as the club reached the Championship play-off semi-finals - and becoming a fan-favourite into the bargain.
But at the end of the season he returned to Old Trafford and Sunderland appeared to have accepted that it was highly unlikely he would be back at the Stadium of Light next term, with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag keen to see whether the 20-year-old could play a part in his first team, or alternatively he would be loaned out to a top flight side either in England or elsewhere in Europe. However, according to respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have yet to make a final decision on Amad's future and, as far as the player himself is concerned, if there are no first-team opportunities under ten Hag and he is to be sent out on loan again, Sunderland is his preferred destination.
Romano tweeted: "Amad Diallo's future is still open. Man United will make final decision on Amad in the next weeks, he hopes for 1st team chance but it's up to ten Hag. Understand in case Manchester United decide to loan Amad out, the player's preference would be Sunderland again."
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Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray would love to work with Amad again next season, having praised his quality repeatedly over the course of the season. Amad cost Manchester United £35m when he joined from Italian Serie A side Atalanta in January 2021 and that fee, and also his wages, mean that a permanent move to Sunderland is simply not an option.
But another loan would suit both Sunderland and the player down to the ground, although it remains to be seen whether Manchester United would sanction it. Even if they decide that Amad is not yet ready for their first-team, they may feel that he has already proved himself at Championship level and would rather him play for a top tier team next term.
