Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has responded to growing speculation surrounding the future of his teammates Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, insisting his focus remains firmly on the team rather than individual situations.
Speaking in the mixed zone after United’s first pre-season friendly of the summer that ended in goalless draw with Leeds United in Stockholm, the Ivory Coast star was asked about Rashford’s impending departure but he did not want to be pressed on the matter.
According to Daily Mail, Amad made it clear that his priority is contributing to the squad’s goals, saying he is more focused on Manchester United than on transfer talk involving his teammates.
“The only thing I can say is good luck to him, but I’m more focused on United and my team”
Rashford appears to be edging closer to an exit, with Barcelona reportedly set to secure the England international on an initial loan deal, which includes an option for a permanent move next summer.
As for Garnacho, tensions behind the scenes have reportedly led to his expected departure, following a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Rúben Amorim casting doubt over his future at Old Trafford.
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are all said to be keen on Garnacho, with the Argentina international keen to remain in the Premier League. Amad was then quizzed on Garnacho, responding:
“I think this is not really my problem. The only thing I’m thinking right now is how we will learn together as a team and yeah, that’s the only thing I’m trying to think about right now.”
The Ivory Coast international played the opening 45 minutes of the pre-season friendly against Leeds, operating as a right-sided wing-back, and he is expected to be used as both a wing-back and an attacker in the coming season.
Amad was in impressive form for Man United last season, scoring 11 goals and registering 10 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions, and he has become a vital player for the club after a slow start to his career at Old Trafford.
It was widely accepted as United doing damage control on Garnacho, with the news leaking at the time that Amorim told the player he had better pray he finds a club to take him. It seems like Amorim has won over players to his line of thinking in these two months. Amad has gone from hoping to have Garnacho to no longer caring about it.
If anybody will be most pleased with this contrast, it will be the Man Utd manager, who has successfully managed to win over the squad despite taking some tough decisions.
Rashford and Garnacho were extremely popular with the squad, but the players have chosen Amorim over the duo, if Amad’s contrast in thoughts is anything to go by.
It is a trait he was famous for at Sporting, where his man-management and communication skills won him the undying loyalty of his players.
