Manchester United supporters could be about to get the attacking combination they have been waiting for, with Amad Diallo pushing hard to return in time for the Manchester derby.
The Ivorian winger has missed the opening three matches of the Premier League season after suffering an ankle injury in training, but his recovery has now reached a crucial stage. Reports indicate that the Champions League meeting with Sabah on Thursday is likely to arrive too soon for him, while Amad is targeting a return against Manchester City on Sunday.
That possibility has United fans dreaming.
Rashford. Mbeumo. Amad.
Three explosive attacking players with pace, directness and the ability to hurt defenders in completely different ways.
Marcus Rashford has already started to rebuild his relationship with the club and supporters under Michael Carrick. After his difficult spell away from Old Trafford, the England forward has returned looking sharper and more committed, and his recent performances have given fans renewed optimism. He was particularly lively against Everton before being withdrawn in the second half with what Carrick described as a minor issue.
Bryan Mbeumo, meanwhile, has wasted little time making his presence felt.
The Cameroon international scored United’s opener against Everton with a powerful individual effort, continuing to show why the club invested heavily in bringing him to Old Trafford. United eventually surrendered their lead in dramatic fashion, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser, but Mbeumo remains one of the most dangerous weapons in Carrick’s attack.
Then there is Amad.
His return could completely change the dynamic of the frontline.
The winger offers something United have desperately missed during his absence: unpredictability. He can receive the ball wide, drive inside, combine with midfielders and attack defenders directly. His ability to operate between the wing and central areas could also give Carrick greater freedom to rotate his attacking players during the derby.
And the timing could hardly be bigger.
Manchester United face Sabah in the Champions League on Thursday before welcoming Manchester City to Old Trafford on Sunday. The derby is therefore expected to be the real target for Amad, assuming he continues progressing without a setback.
United need every attacking option available.
The 2-2 draw against Everton showed exactly why. United created promising attacking moments but failed to kill the game off, eventually conceding in the 96th minute. Carrick’s side will need far greater cutting edge if they are going to overcome Manchester City.
And there is history on United’s side.
The Red Devils beat City 2-0 in the last Premier League meeting between the clubs in January, with Mbeumo among the scorers. That victory came in Carrick’s first match back in charge and ended City’s long unbeaten run against United.
Now imagine adding a fit Amad to an attack already containing Rashford and Mbeumo.
That is the combination supporters want to see.
The Sabah match may come too early.
But if Amad makes it through the next few days successfully, the Manchester derby could be the stage for his return.
And United fans already know exactly what they want to see when City arrive at Old Trafford.
Rashford. Mbeumo. Amad.
Three names. One derby. One huge opportunity.
