Amad Diallo’s three greatest moments for Sunderland ahead of Man United showdown
Amad Diallo is set to face Sunderland for the first time since returning to Man United.
Diallo spent the 2022-23 season with Sunderland and is still adored by supporters for what he achieved on Wearside.
While the Ivorian was absent for United’s latest defeat because of a family bereavement, he could be in line to play at Old Trafford on Saturday.
With Diallo set to receive a warm reception from the away fans, what were his three defining moments for the Black Cats?
Amad Diallo shows strength and finesse against Birmingham City
Diallo joined Sunderland on deadline day and simply must go down as one of the greatest ever signings on Wearside.
While the Ivory Coast international got off to a modest start in the North East, he really kicked himself into gear against Birmingham City in November.
- Diallo scored his first league goal against Burnley
- He netted 14 goals for the Wearsiders
- Contributed four assists under Tony Mowbray
The winger had just two goals to his name before the trip to St Andrew’s, but then delivered two standout moments to sink the West Midlands outfit.
Although not known for his strength, Diallo did superbly to hold off none other than Jobe Bellingham before setting up Ellis Simms for Sunderland’s first.
Then, the little magician cut in on the right-hand side to curl an absolutely gorgeous left-footed shot into the top corner.
Indeed, this was just the start of more sublime moments for the North East outfit.
Amad Diallo fires Sunderland into the play-offs with Preston North End stunner
Diallo still looks back at his Sunderland stint fondly, and the memories will come flooding back when he faces his old love on Saturday.
The 23-year-old was simply irresistible in the second half of the 2022-23 Championship campaign and typically provided a moment of quality to clinch an unlikely play-off place.
Sunderland faced Preston at Deepdale on the final day and needed a win to ensure that they reached the play-offs.
Of course, it was Diallo who produced when it mattered, curling an emphatic left-footed shot over the helpless Freddie Woodman.
The Black Cats ended up triumphing 3-0 and set up a play-off semi-final with the overachieving Luton Town.
Amad Diallo saves best Sunderland moment for play-offs
Although he is a Man United player, there is still some hope that Diallo will return to Sunderland one day.
If he does, then it would be hard to top the stellar moment he produced in the Wearsiders’ semi-final first leg clash with Luton.
In a moment reminiscent of his previous goals for the Black Cats, the 23-year-old bagged yet another belter with his left foot from outside the box.
Alex Pritchard stood over the ball and rolled it off to Diallo, who curled the ball straight into the top corner to level the score at 1-1.
Indeed, that strike spurred Sunderland on again as they claimed a 2-1 victory on home soil, with Trai Hume bagging the winner.
Unfortunately, Mowbray’s injury-hit team were unable to get the job done at Kenilworth Road, meaning they remained a Championship side for two more seasons.
Now, all eyes will be on Diallo and how he plays against his former club if Ruben Amorim gives him an opportunity.
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