Manchester United's Amad Diallo provides update on injury recovery

Manchester United forward Amad Diallo has revealed that he is closing in on a return to action following a lengthy period on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The Ivory Coast international returned to Old Trafford over the summer following a successful loan spell in the Championship with Sunderland.

Amad was involved in Man United's preparations for the 2023-24 campaign, but he picked up a knee injury in a friendly with Arsenal towards the end of July and has been on the sidelines since.

An image of the 21-year-old's knee that he posted towards the start of September suggested that he underwent surgery on the problem, although the club are yet to confirm whether that was the case.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag had allegedly been planning to give Amad a full pre-season to impress before deciding whether he would leave again on loan.

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However, the injury ended his chances of departing before the end of the transfer window, with the attacker instead focusing on making a full recovery in recent months.

On his Instagram story, Amad posted an image of himself in Man United training gear with the caption: "Just a little longer before returning".

The Red Devils have not set a timeframe when it comes to a potential return, while Ten Hag has also not offered any indication of when the Ivorian might be available for selection.

Amad scored 14 goals and registered four assists in 42 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions last season, but he has only played nine times for Man United's first team, scoring once and providing one assist.

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The forward's arrival from Atalanta BC in January 2021 came as a surprise, but he made eight appearances for the club in the second half of the 2020-21 season.

Amad failed to make his mark during a loan spell at Rangers in the second half of the 2021-22 season, but he found his form at Sunderland in the second tier of English football.

Man United's long-term plans for the Ivorian are unclear, but he has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2025, with the option for a 12-month extension.

Amad largely operates as a right-sided attacker, and the Red Devils are currently a player down in that position due to Jadon Sancho being removed from the first-team picture.

However, Antony is now back with the club after a period of absence to address allegations of abuse which have been made towards him by his ex-girlfriend.