02 January 2023 , 22:30
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Erik ten Hag has admitted he is unsure about recalling Amad Diallo from his loan spell at Sunderland - and hinted the winger could remain at the Stadium of Light until the end of the season.
The Manchester United forward has been a shining light for the Black Cats in recent months, having scored six goals in his last 11 matches as Sunderland chase a play-off place. Amad had a tough start to life at the club but has been in sensational form recently as he looks to gain some much-needed game time in the Championship.
However, there have been some rumours about a possible recall for the 20-year-old following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November and United's lack of depth in forward areas. Jadon Sancho is back in United training but hasn't featured since before the World Cup, while Anthony Martial is the only recognised striker in the squad.
When asked about possibly recalling Amad, Ten Hag said: "We consider everything, but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process. He's made really good progress there so I’m happy with that. When we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting line-up or come on for a lot of games and make an impact."
Meanwhile, Ten Hag also ruled out any players going out on loan this month with Donny van de Beek and Anthony Elanga amongst those to be linked with a move away. The duo have featured sparsely under Ten Hag this season, with the former being tipped to move back to his homeland. He added: "I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in players who aren’t playing for us so often."
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Amad Diallo in action for Sunderland (Getty Images)Having played as a right-winger for the majority of his time out at Sunderland, Amad could be set for a position change after Everton recalled Ellis Simms following his loan spell at the club. The 21-year-old had impressed on Wearside, scoring seven goals in 17 appearances, before Frank Lampard chose to recall him earlier than expected.
It has left Sunderland short on out-and-out strikers with Ross Stewart the only recognised senior forward fit and available for selection. Amad has played through the line for Sunderland before but could play there more often to fit him and Patrick Roberts in the same team.
Boss Mowbray said on Thursday after his side's win at Wigan: "I've said before that I have to find a way of getting these two (Roberts and Amad) players on the pitch, and yet with the injuries today I felt that the only shape to keep players in positions they know was to go with a back three - and that is why Patrick came out of the team.
"It was harsh on him and when he plays with Amad - it's quite amazing to watch really. It must be frustrating to play against, too."