Andy Cole backs Amad Diallo to replace Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial in Manchester United first team | OneFootball

A

ndy Cole has urged Manchester United to give Amad Diallo a chance in the first team next season.

Diallo had a superb campaign on loan at Sunderland, scoring 14 goals as the Black Cats made it to the Championship play-off semi-finals and threatened to secure back-to-back promotions.

They ultimately fell short, despite Diallo scoring a stunning goal against Luton, and it now remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old returns to Old Trafford this summer or pushes for another move to secure more regular football. Erik ten Hag was asked earlier this season whether Diallo was in his long-term plans.

“Yes, of course,” the United boss said. “We loan such players to let them develop and make progress. To bring them back. That is the aim of a loan.”

Cole hopes that proves to be the case, with the former United striker believing Diallo has the quality to start over some of the club’s current first-team stars in forward areas.

“Amad Diallo could be the player to replace Anthony Martial or Jadon Sancho,” Cole told BoyleSports about Champions League Odds.

“He’s had a fantastic loan at Sunderland and Tony Mowbray has sung his praises. Diallo looks like a good kid too and I hope he can have an impact at Manchester United.

“This loan period has worked out really well and now he has the opportunity to compete with players like Sancho and Martial from the bench.”