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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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:
Tony Mowbray on Amad: "He's an amazing footballer. He finds the game too easy sometimes, and I need to sort of poke him just to make sure he's giving everything for the team." pic.twitter.com/N1YQG6OY79
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.
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?
Featured Image — Sunderland AFC/Amad Diallo (via Instagram)
Sport
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Salford City FC have been bought out by a new consortium
Danny Jones
Another era beckons for Salford City as a buyout of the Greater Manchester football club by a new consortiumhas been announced.
Well, sort of.
Salford City FC were famously the subject of a joint takeover by Singaporean businessman Peter Lim and members of Manchester United’s Class of ’92 over a decade ago, and now 11 years on from that last milestone moment in their history, the local side has a new administration once again.
It is a fresh chapter for the club, but supporters will be glad to hear that there will also be some continuity and key throughline of consistency among some of those at the top.
Salford City announces that the Club has been acquired by a new ownership group led by David Beckham and Gary Neville, and includes US-based businessman Declan Kelly and Lord Mervyn Davies who will both serve as new Co-Chairs of the Club’s board.
Led by Man United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham, who have been involved with Salford since 2014, the new nine-member consortium consists of the Dream Sports Group – a leading sports technology company based in India – along with a number of other key figures.
One of those is Lord Mervyn Davies, a former Labour MP and Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Small Business, who still serves as a trade envoy between the UK and Sri Lanka.
Another is Irish-American entrepreneur Declan Kelly, who is Chairman and CEO of The Consello Group, a global advisory and investing firm.
While the previous co-owners and fellow Class of ’92 United graduates are no longer shareholders at Moor Lane, it is said they will still play important roles at the club.
As the official statement reads, “The acquisition includes a commitment by the new shareholders to invest significantly in the Club, the team and its facilities”, meaning there will funds will likely be sweet aside not only for some healthy transfer business but more updates to the Peninsula Stadium.
Commenting on the announcement, Neville said: “I’m passionate about Salford City. This is a unique partnership with a diverse range of minds and expertise, held together by a love of football.
“Football will come first, however, it’s critical that we drive the Club towards sustainability in the next 4-5 years. I can’t wait for the next part of this journey.”
Meanwhile, Beckham went on to add in the excitable Instagram post seen above: “Salford played such an important role in my life growing up… It’s where I trained with United alongside my best mates every day, it’s where I bought my first house and where me and Victoria lived.
“I’m so proud to be part of a new ownership group alongside my mate [Neville] as we begin the next chapter of Salford’s journey. Football is at the heart of this community and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Ammies.
Danny Jones -
17th April 2023 
