Amad is ending the season in spectacular form (Picture: Getty)
Amad Diallo hopes to force his way into the Manchester United first-team next season but has not ruled out a return to Sunderland.
The Ivory Coast international joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan last summer.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign on Wearside, scoring a sensational final day goal against Preston to help Sunderland seal a promotion spot and lashing home a sublime free kick in Saturday’s semi-final first-leg against Luton Town.
This weekend’s strike took his tally to the season to 14 and with Sunderland bidding to return to the Premier League, the winger has left the door open to a return next season.
His immediate priority however is forcing his way into Erik ten Hag’s plans at Old Trafford.
‘My dream was to play for United. When I signed I was happy. Everyone in my family was happy. I hope maybe next season I get my chance,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘I have a lot of thoughts in my head but my ambition now is to come back to Manchester United and maybe to get my chance.’
Diallo has scored 14 times this season and provided four assists (Picture: Getty)
Asked about his popularity at Sunderland, he added: ‘I know they love me – that is good for me. Maybe, I don’t know, maybe next season I will come back here.’
Amad joined United in January 2021 from Atalanta in a deal worth an initial £19m.
After immediately hitting the ground running playing for the Under-23s, he was drafted into the first-team and scored his first goal for the club against AC Milan in the Europa League in March.
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The youngster is expected to be part of the United squad that heads out to the US for their pre-season tour with Erik ten Hag optimistic over his future at the club.
‘They are really strong, we mentor them, we follow them, we have communication over the season, especially Darren Fletcher, who invests a lot in such a process,’ ten Hag said earlier this month.
‘The aim is to bring them back as a better player with experience.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag speaks out on Amad Diallo loan form ahead of Manchester United return
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The 20-year-old is nearing the end of his loan spell at Sunderland.