Sport

Sunderland manager heaps praise on Man United loanee Amad Diallo: ‘he finds the game too easy’

'I have a good feeling that if he’s not back at United he will go for big, big money to a top Spanish team.'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 17th April 2023

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has been discussing the performances and future of Amad Diallo, after the Manchester United loanee helped them secure another three points over the weekend.

The Black Cats are currently sat in ninth in the table and just a few points off the playoff positions and no doubt one of their brightest sparks this season has been Amad, who joined on loan at the start of this season.

Just 20 years old, the Ivorian youngster had a couple of impressive cameos when he first arrived at United but struggled for game time. However, he has now become one of the most exciting players in the Championship and Mowbray believes he’s destined for big things.

Scoring an impressive solo goal in Sunderland‘s 2-1 win over Birmingham, head coach Mowbray labelled him an “amazing player” and admitted “it’s pretty unlikely” he’ll be staying at the Stadium of Light for a second season.

Continuing to wax lyrical after the game, the 59-year-old said, “I have a good feeling for Amad that if he’s not back at United he will go for big, big money to a top Spanish team.”

Taking a pop at his parent club, he went on to add: “He loves football and wants to play so what do you do if you are at United? Are you happy just to be a Manchester United player and play six sub appearances and two starts over a season of 60 games for them? Or do you want to go out and play?”

Mowbray said that even if the Red Devils choose to sell him, “he won’t be coming here… unless they think he is going to be one hell of a player and needs to play, or he enjoys Sunderland and should keep going to play for them.”

As for where he could go if United don’t see him as a first-team player, he suggested loaning him out to another Premier League team, or letting him “go back to Italy or Spain” — either way, he sees him not only as a starter at a top-flight club. In fact, he said his talent is almost a concern at times:

Read more:

As the former defender goes went on to explain, “because the game is so easy for [Amad], individually, he loses concentration occasionally”; nevertheless, he insisted that the club is “delighted” he’s part of their squad and hopes there’s a chance he remains there “banging in goals” next year.

Following his finish against Birmingham — not forgetting the screamer he’s scored in the reverse fixture against them — that’s now 12 goals and two assists in 33 Championship appearances and he only looks to be getting better.

As Tony Mowbray sees it, he’s more than good enough to cut the mustard for Erik ten Hag‘s team, but do you think he’s ready for first-team football at Old Trafford, Reds?

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Sunderland AFC/Amad Diallo (via Instagram)

Sport

Jonny Evans is staying at Manchester United after retirement

Danny Jones Danny Jones Jonny Evans is staying on at Manchester United in a youth staff role

Recently retired defender Jonny Evans is reportedly staying at Manchester United after hanging up his boots as a player and is set to remain in a new staff role at the club.

Evans enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance in red after returning to Old Trafford back in 2023 on a short-term deal that was initially intended as a way of him regaining fitness whilst helping Man United out on their pre-season tour.

Fast-forward to 2025, and he’s made another 43 appearances for the team, a whole eight years on from his first spell, with his temporary contract made permanent under Erik ten Hag and playing a number of games under Ruben Amorim as well.

However, having picked up an injury in the previous campaign and now at 37 years old, his second stint wasn’t going to last forever; as per The Athletic‘s Laurie Whitwell, Evans will now take up a staff job at United, dealing primarily with young players.

The Stockport-born journalist explains that the Northern Irish centre-back will be operating in a youth development role, focusing specifically on youth loans and bedding academy products into other clubs.

As an academy graduate himself, his knowledge of the system and wealth of expertise as a veteran of the senior game have seen him identified as an ideal candidate for the task.

With yet another round of redundancies around the organisation earlier this year, and with academy director Nick Cox leaving the setup after nearly a decade at the club last week, his arrival in the post has come at a crucial time.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the INEOS Group and CEO Omar Berrada have all faced heavy criticism for trimming the workforce despite paying off heavy sums owed on players and coaches no longer at the club, as well as continuing to try and spend in the summer window.

A number of unpopular decisions are already directly impacting the supporters, too.

The 81-year-old Red being forced to give up his seat after nearly half a cenutry
It isn’t just the staff that are being hit by the cutbacks and business decisions.

Nevertheless, retaining the cult favourite club servant has been met with a much better reception.

Whitwell explains that “United see Evans as a valuable asset for his character, professionalism and experience of winning trophies, and feel a role in bridging the pathway between academy and senior football suits him.”

Plus, with Mathues Cunha already brought into the club and progress being made in the deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo, there is plenty of reason for fans to be positive.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the transfer market, the likes of Jadon Sancho, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have all been linked with permanent moves away, which could help them finance the recruitment behind the potential rebuild.

Nevertheless, much like part of the furniture, Evans is staying right where he is.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester United (via MUFC website)

Sport

Wigan Athletic make statement signing after grabbing Wrexham’s Paul Mullin on loan

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Mullin joins Wigan Athletic on loan

Wigan Athletic have pulled over a big transfer in the summer window, albeit only temporarily for now, as they have managed to acquire the services of Wrexham AFC striker Paul Mullin on loan.

The Merseyside-born marksman, who has been instrumental in helping lift Wrexham from the depths of the National League and into the Championship (the first time they’ve been back in the second division since 1977/78), joins the Latics on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Mullin may be gradually entering the latter end of his career, but he has proved time and again that he can score, managing to chip in with a respectable half dozen goal contributions even amidst a lengthy period out following back surgery and a subsequent shin injury.

The 30-year-old is the third signing for Wigan so far in 2025, following the likes of incomings Fraser Murray, a left-sided Scottish midfielder from Kilmarnock, and fellow forward Christian Saydee from Portsmouth, but he’s no doubt the one who’s caught the most attention.

A regular hero in the well-documented and Hollywood-backed Welcome to Wrexham story, Paul Mullin has notched an unbelievable 110 goals in 172 games, boasting a combined goal contribution tally of 223 across multiple English clubs up and down the football pyramid in just over a decade as a professional.

Put simply, he scores goals wherever he goes.

Commenting on the move, Mullin said via club media: “I’m excited for the next part of my story. The Gaffer has outlined his plan for the season, and I’m hoping to take his trust into the season and make it a really successful one. As a player, I give absolutely everything and work as hard as I can. 

“I’ve scored a lot of goals over the last few years, but more than anything, I give my absolute all for the Club that I’m playing for, and I’m going to do that again with Wigan.”

Bidding a brief goodbye to his parent club, he responded to their announcement by adding: “All the best this season! Keep the train rolling.”

Although he’s no stranger to the North West – having been born in Litherland, Sefton and played for both Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers – Wigan Athletic is the first spell at a Greater Manchester club for Mullin. The move will also see him face familiar local foes like Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers.

It’s fair to say that, as well as finding the net pretty regularly throughout his career, he’s managed to pick up a number of accolades along the way, too, especially during his time with Wrexham.

Much-admired rising coach Ryan Lowe, who was snapped up by Wigan Athletic amidst the flurry of names linked last March, said in the official club statement: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to sign Paul. He’ll be a great addition to the group and is a player who is a proven goal scorer in the EFL. 

“He has won promotion in his last three seasons with Wrexham AFC and will add firepower, know-how and experience to the group, which is really important. He is here because he is hungry to score more goals, win games and contribute to Wigan Athletic Football Club.”

“Paul is the type of character we want in the dressing room, and his experience will help support the team on and off the pitch.”

Supporters of The Red Dragons might be sad to see him go, but you’ve got to be happy with this one, right, ‘Tics?

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Wigan Athletic

More Sport

Lusaint performing live music at The Hundred in Manchester

Audio

Rising Manc star Lusaint and more to serenade cricket crowds at The Hundred 2025

Salford

Tom Aspinall is now the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion

what live music gigs are on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer? 2025

Audio

Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches