Amad and Pellistri to receive more prominent roles at Man Utd next term

Manchester United have a firm stance on their super-talented youngsters Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, according to the latest update from Fabrizio Romano.

Both players signed for the Old Trafford outfit in October 2020 as sought-after young prospects following the club’s unsuccessful attempt to lure Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.

While Pellistri immediately linked up with the Red Devils, Amad spent the first half of the 2020/21 season at Atalanta before completing his €40 million switch in January 2021.

However, neither player has enjoyed much playing time with the first team, especially the latter, who had a spectacular 2022/23 season at Sunderland in the Championship.

As one of the revelations in England’s second-tier competition, Amad racked up 13 goals and three assists in 37 league appearances for the Black Cats, drawing attention from United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch manager recently admitted that he’s eager to give the 20-year-old a chance to showcase his worth during the pre-season, with Romano now insisting the Ivorian whizz-kid is ‘crazy about Man Utd.’

He claims Amad is hellbent on proving himself at the Theatre of Dreams following an eye-catching season-long loan at the Stadium of Light and earning a regular first-team status in Manchester.

While another loan remains on the cards, much will depend on the forward’s performance during preparations for next season.

The same goes for Pellistri, who, unlike Amad, has stayed at Carrington this season, though he’s only made three Premier League appearances for United in 2022/23.

Despite mostly playing for Man Utd’s youth team, the 21-year-old – widely expected to have a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup with Uruguay – has impressed ten Hag.

Irrespective of his sparse playing time, Pellistri is understood to have earned the Dutchman’s trust and could be in line for a new contract, even though his current deal expires in 2025.

Since Antony and Sancho have had too much amplitude in their game this season, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if Man Utd decide to rely more on their up-and-coming starlets next term.