Amad Diallo ‘big boost’ detailed after Sunderland’s controversial defeat vs Man United
Sunderland were given a reality check during their 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday.
Sunderland went into the match unbeaten in four, yet the Red Devils were a class above on the day, with first-half goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko enough to see off the Black Cats.
Sunderland will feel wronged by controversial decisions, with referee Stuart Attwell reversing his call to award the team a penalty following Sesko’s challenge on Trai Hume.
Former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo started for Man United on the right-hand side and gave Arthur Masuaku a torrid time all afternoon.
Former Sunderland winger Amad Diallo shines for Man United
Diallo enjoyed many brilliant moments for Sunderland during his loan spell in 2022-23, guiding them to sixth place in the Championship.
His goal against Luton in the first leg of the playoff semi-final lives in the memories of Mackem fans, and he is still loved by supporters to this day.
Against Sunderland, Diallo ran the show, and he posed a real threat to Masuaku, who struggled all game.
Speaking on the Sunderland Echo YouTube channel, journalist Phil Smith spoke about the Ivorian’s performance at Old Trafford.
He said: “The return of Diallo was a big boost for them, he just pushed Sunderland back.
“Sunderland were never really able to get a foothold in the game because of how easy Amad found it to drive in field, and drive towards the box.
“His combination play with Bryan Mbuemo was excellent, and for a period of the game, Sunderland were just outclassed.”
| MInutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 62 |
| Pass accuracy (percentage) | 100 |
| Successful dribbles (percentage) | 50 |
| Touches in opposition box | 5 |
Diallo missed Manchester United’s loss to Brentford due to family bereavement, and he returned to the side with a top-class performance.
Having played as a winger for Sunderland, he is now being used at right wing-back under manager Ruben Amorim.
Diallo’s performances of late are no shock to Sunderland fans, who would do anything to see him return to the Stadium of Light.
Diallo ensured that summer signing Masuaku didn’t have a minute to breathe, as the 31-year-old once again disappointed in a Sunderland shirt.
- Read more: Wayne Rooney reacts to footage of Senne Lammens controversy in Sunderland loss vs Man United
Arthur Masuaku’s form highlights Sunderland vulnerability without Reinildo
Reinildo’s red card against Aston Villa not only cost Sunderland in that match, but has left Regis Le Bris having to field Masuaku at left-back.
Masuaku joined Sunderland on a free transfer after spending three years with Besiktas in Turkey, and was brought in to provide cover for Reinildo.
However, the former West Ham left-back has underperformed in the last two matches, and his deficiencies were brutally exposed versus Man United.
He was substituted in the 58th minute, with Diallo being given far too much space to attack the Sunderland defence.
After the international break, Reinildo has one game left on his ban, and Masuaku may start again in Sunderland’s huge match against Wolves at the Stadium of Light.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account –@mackemnews247