Man Utd's Amad Shares Teary Sunderland Confession Ahead Of Return

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is poised to return to Sunderland for the first time since his breakout season in English football on Wearside.

During the 2022/23 Championship season, the Ivorian shone on loan at the Black Cats, guided by veteran manager Tony Mowbray. 

Following a slow start to his Red Devils career, and a subsequent lacklustre spell on loan at Rangers after arriving from Italian outfit Atalanta, the young Ivorian made quite the impression in the second tier for Sunderland.

Amad notched 14 goals and three assists in 39 league outings in the red-and-white stripes of Sunderland, spearheading the club’s promotion charge under Mowbray, which was curtailed by a play-off semi-final second leg defeat at eventual winners Luton Town.

Three seasons on, the 23-year-old is set for a return to the Stadium of Light and the fans who adored him, and ahead of the Premier League clash, the gifted winger received an emotional message from his former Black Cats boss.

Ahead of his Wearside comeback, United ace Amad admitted that he remains one of Sunderland’s ‘biggest fans’, and is elated to see his former side back in the Premier League. 

The technically gifted winger rapidly cemented himself as a fan-favourite on Wearside, with his attacking flair and penchance for a long-range strike making every Sunderland fan guilty of the old footballing adage of ‘never fall in love with a loan player’.

Beautifully, though, the love forever remain mutuals from the Black Cats faithful.

In a poignant interview with Sky Sports in the build-up to Saturday’s meeting between Sunderland and Michael Carrick’s side, Amad opened up on his season-long stint on Wearside under Mowbray.

Amad said: “Yeah, Tony Mowbray was like a dad and manager for me. We had such a good relationship.

“He was there to help me every time. He gave me the key that, you the players, I wanted my team, you the players, that you're going to decide the games. I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland.

“I have nothing bad to say about the club. Everything I have to say is positive. Now I'm one of the big fans because I watch every game when they play. I'm so happy for what they did this season.”

Mowbray gave the young talent the freedom to express himself in the final third, offering the Ivorian the perfect platform to showcase his illustrious talents, of which dazzled the second tier.

Ahead of the clash, Sky Sports surprised the winger with a video message from Mowbray, with the seasoned English manager still offering his former prodigy words of advice.

“Hi Amad. Just wanted to wish you well this weekend. I know you're going back to the Stadium of Light.”, Mowbray said.

“I've been watching every game as I do. I watch a lot of football on the TV. I've been watching you do amazingly well at United, I'm so pleased for you.”

He added: “First day I got to Sunderland, I could see your talent. I could see what amazing things you could do with the ball.

“You've just taken that on in your career. Just to wish you all the very best, mate. Keep going, keep doing what you do. Love the game like I know you do. Love that football. Good luck pal.”

In response, Amad held back tears as he said: “Don’t make me cry. I’m emotional, he (Mowbray) gave me a lot of confidence. 

Although United’s fortunes have taken a turn for the better since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach in January, on a personal note, Amad has failed to offer a goal contribution amid the Red Devils’ resurgence.

Amad has notched just two goals and two assists in 29 top flight outings this term, with his last strike coming back in December during a 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.

It would be an ironic turn of fate for the youngster to return to the scoresheet in front of his adoring Sunderland faithful, who will undoubtedly be cheering his name alongside the visiting fans.