“I have faced aggressive defenders like William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk in match and even Martinez in training but this academy youngster who was just promoted few days ago is giving me a touch time…I haven’t never faced such player before”: Manchester United’s tricky winger Amad Diallo has named ONE United’s academy star who was just promoted last week as the toughest opponent he has ever faced
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has struggled with the left wingback role much like his predecessor Erik ten Hag last season.
Luke Shaw continues to be sidelined and given his poor injury record, the Portuguese would be wrong to put too much faith in him. After a difficult one-and-half years, Tyrell Malacia has left for PSV Eindhoven on loan.
The experiment with playing Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left wingback has failed miserably and Patrick Dorgu is expected to take over starting from Friday’s FA Cup tie against Leicester City.
But Amorim is also keeping his eyes peeled for talents coming up through the famed United academy system and on Wednesday, the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss called up Dante Plunkett to train with the first team.
17yo called up to training
He took to social media to confirm his participation in first team training for the first time. He uploaded a picture of his boots on his Instagram account, captioning the post, “first team” followed by a checkmark emoji.
The 17-year-old was signed from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024 after a successful trial period and he has all the attributes needed to become a top footballer.
The Englishman has been described as “lightning quick“, and a is a good reader of the game and as seen from his displays for the United U18s this season, he has a goal in him as well.
Plunkett has two goals and one assist in eight games this term but it is still not clear where is he in the pecking order given Harry Amass still remains at the club.
Debuts on the cards?
Lisandro Martinez’s injury could see Amorim shuffle his pack and Dorgu needs a backup as he is also only 20 and new to English football.
The head coach is clearly seeing which young talents can make the jump if required and it is good to see Plunkett being involved so early in his development.
Amorim could possibly hand a few debuts during the cup tie against the Foxes, especially if United can make the game safe early on.
But given the Red Devils’ home form this season, fans are not too confident heading into the game with Ruud van Nistelrooy eager to send a message to both Amorim and INEOS.
