01 January 2023 , 11:40
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Erik ten Hag ’s previous decision to send Amad Diallo on-loan to Sunderland could prove to be a genius move with Manchester United attempting to seal the services of the Black Cats’ 15-year-old wonderkid Chris Rigg.
The Old Trafford outfit are reportedly highly interested in the young midfielder as one of the future, as per The Sun. Rigg, a product of the Sunderland academy, has already garnered plenty of attention for his performances for the youth sides at the Stadium of Light.
He is rated as one of the most promising young footballers in the country having already captained England’s under-16 side. Rigg has been plying his trade in the U18 Premier League over the past couple of seasons but has earned a handful of outings for Sunderland’s U23 side - a display of his huge promise.
Whilst Man Utd are eyeing a move, they reportedly face competition from elsewhere in the Premier League. Sunderland’s North-East rivals Newcastle are also among the contenders for Rigg’s services, whilst Everton are apparently interested.
The Red Devils could have a trump card to play though. As per the reports, United currently have an excellent relationship with Sunderland having sent young wideman Diallo on-loan to the Stadium of Light at the start of the season.
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The 20-year-old has been one of the Black Cats’ best players this season with six goals and one assist in 18 Championship outings. There were reports that he could be recalled to Old Trafford but Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has urged the Man Utd hierarchy to allow the youngster to continue his development.
Chris Rigg is being eyed by Man Utd (Getty Images)How impressed have you been with Amad Diallo's spell at Sunderland? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking last week, he said: “On the back of Amad’s loan last season, I think it’s such a better position for him and for his football club at this moment that he stays and plays his football with a smile on his face. Hopefully he will keep scoring and creating chances for us.
“I haven’t heard that from Erik ten Hag’s voice, I’m just assuming that that’s the case with his football club because there haven’t been any rumours that they might be doing this and this.
“My experience tells me he is in a really good place, so leave him, let him enjoy his football, and let him grow and develop. Otherwise, what’s he doing? He could go back to Manchester United and maybe not even get on their bench.
“He’s a young guy who’s had a tough period, he’s now found a bit of form and somewhere where he is settled and looking happy, so I would just let him keep going.”
It remains to be seen if the success of that loan deal allows the Red Devils to move ahead of their competitors in a swoop for Rigg in the near future but it is an agreement that is likely to hand United huge benefits going forwards.