Amad Diallo following in footsteps of 2010 Sunderland, Man United deal: View | OneFootball

Amad Diallo's career path is reminiscent to that of former Sunderland loanee.

Amad Diallo was not yet proven in English football prior to his season-long loan move from Manchester United to Sunderland.

However, the winger became the Black Cats' talisman during his 2022/23 spell and as a result, the Ivorian has benefited from significantly more minutes at Old Trafford.

Indeed, Diallo's journey bears resemblance to that of Danny Welbeck, whose Man United career took off following a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

Danny Welbeck's Sunderland loan was a roaring success

Sunderland ended the 2010/11 Premier League season in 10th position, a finish they have been unable to top since.

Managed by Steve Bruce, the Black Cats forged an intriguing side, with a blend of academy products and some high-profile loan signings, including Sulley Muntari, Nedum Onuoha, and Welbeck.

The latter had only made eight Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before moving on a season-long loan to the Stadium of Light - a move which helped shaped his future at Old Trafford.

With Darren Bent the club's recognised striker, Welbeck had to play a versatile role in Bruce's side and appeared either on the left wing or as a second striker to Bent.

The versatile forward bagged his first goal in the red and white of Sunderland in a famous 3-0 victory over José Mourinho's Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - Mourinho's first-ever defeat at the Bridge.

Welbeck played an integral role in Sunderland's season, which at one point looked to be heading towards Europe, but the club's season tailed off with the Wearsiders finishing in 10th place.

The following season saw Sir Alex Ferguson give the forward significantly more playing time, with Welbeck playing 30 times in the Premier League, scoring nine and assisting four.

He went on to make 142 appearances for United, scoring 29 and assisting seven, before enjoying stints at Arsenal and Brighton & Hove Albion. At 33 years of age, he is still making an impact in the top tier, and it all started on Wearside.

Amad Diallo following in Danny Welbeck's footsteps.

Prior to Diallo's move to the North East, he had only made three Premier League appearances for Man United.

Like Welbeck, it took Diallo a while to make an impact in front of goal, scoring his first for the club in his ninth appearance against Burnley, but his season propelled from that point.

At times, it almost felt unfair that Sunderland were able to field a player of Diallo's quality. His influence on the team was substantial and he made the Championship his playground, scoring 13 and assisting three.

While the Ivorian was unable to guide the club to promotion, he left a legacy at the club despite only being there for a season.

Although the 22-year-old was not thrown into the United starting eleven like Welbeck, this season he has been a more regular feature in Erik ten Hag's side.

During the current Premier League campaign, Diallo has made six appearances, scoring once and assisting once. While he faces fierce competition from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, he will benefit from more minutes this season.

At 22, Diallo has a big future ahead of him and, like Welbeck, his exploits on Wearside have put him in the starting conversation.

Diallo followed in Welbeck's footsteps by joining Sunderland on loan, a move which paved a path for both players' futures.

The duo made a significant impact on Wearside, with their performances and contributions heavily influencing the club's fortunes.

The 22-year-old is now benefiting from more minutes at Old Trafford and will be hoping he can emulate Welbeck's journey at the very least.