Opinion: Man United example has proven Sunderland are a go-to destination following Leeds United deal | OneFootball

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Football League World

·7 February 2023

Opinion: Man United example has proven Sunderland are a go-to destination following Leeds United deal

Article image:Opinion: Man United example has proven Sunderland are a go-to destination following Leeds United deal

The jump up to the Championship was always going to be a challenge for Sunderland.

The club had spent several years down in League One, suffering disappointment after disappointment.


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But Alex Neil oversaw a run to the play-off final that ended in a victory over Wycombe Wanderers last May.

Fast forward to 12 months since Neil’s arrival and Sunderland find themselves competing for a play-off place in the Championship under Tony Mowbray.

It goes to show that a lot can happen in a little over a year in football and the landscape at the Stadium of Light has been completely altered with the last year.

Neil played an integral role in that but now Mowbray is leading the charge and it is his handling of one area in particular that has made the club a go-to destination in the EFL.

The example of Amad Diallo’s experience with the Black Cats could be a sign of things to come for Sunderland.

The Manchester United forward arrived on loan last summer in a big-name move for the club.

Despite a slow start to life on Wearside, the Ivorian has gone on to become a key player in the side with his exciting performances across the pitch.

It remains to be seen whether the 20-year old is quite ready for life at Old Trafford, but his loan stint at Sunderland has been a total success.

Amad has contributed seven goals and one assist from 22 Championship appearances, helping the team to its current position of 9th in the table.

That the club followed up this business in January by capturing the signing of Joe Gelhardt speaks volumes.

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Article image:Opinion: Man United example has proven Sunderland are a go-to destination following Leeds United deal

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The forward had interest from a number of second division sides, but opted for a move to the Stadium of Light despite the prominence of Ross Stewart in the squad.

This shows the trust and faith that the club, and Mowbray, have earned in their ability to bring through younger players to give them valuable experience at senior level.

This will be a big advantage for the club down the line.

Being trusted by the bigger clubs in the Premier League will allow Sunderland to bring in some of the most exciting young talent in English football, which should only aid their ambition to return to the top flight.

With Stewart now out injured, Gelhardt has the opportunity to lead the line for the Black Cats for the remainder of the season, and he will likely look to strike a partnership with Amad to gain success.

That will only underline the faith the club has given to these young stars.

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