'One of the best in the world' - Amad Diallo reveals lofty ambitions as he aims 'frustrating' dig at former Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag

Time is still on the Ivory Coast international’s side when it comes to realising that dream, as he will turn 23 this summer. His character and ability have already faced plenty of challenges en route to reaching this stage of his career.

Amad, who joined United in 2021, initially found it difficult to make a breakthrough at Old Trafford - leading to loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland being taken in. Even after impressing there, injuries and a lack of trust from a succession of coaches continued to hold him back.

The tricky winger has, however, enjoyed a productive 2024-25 campaign after earning favour under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim - with 41 appearances being taken in ahead of the Europa League final on Wednesday.

Amad has told the Manchester Evening News of remaining patient as Ten Hag and Co overlooked him: “I need the game time to show I can play for this club. In that moment, I was a little bit frustrated because you can understand sometimes maybe you deserve to play and you don't play. You have a little bit of frustration. But I think now it's because the manager believes in me. He believes in my potential. I'm trying to repay his confidence every time I'm on the pitch.

“Honestly, Erik helped me a lot. He was giving me a lot of advice, even when I wasn't playing. He was telling me to train very hard every time. That's the most important thing when a manager keeps telling you to train hard, even if you don't play. So I kept training very hard, very hard. I think this season, at the beginning, I was playing a lot with him. I want to thank him again for the opportunity he gave me and I want to wish him all the best.”

He added on his hopes for the future, with there still plenty of potential to be unlocked in his game: “I believe in my potential. I believe I can be one of the best in the world. I just have to give my best every game. That's it. But I think I believe in my potential."

It remains to be seen which position Amorim looks to lock Amad down in, but he is happy to play wherever he is required. The Ivorian winger added: “Honestly, I don't have a preference. I'm a player who likes to play, and I'm available for every position. So if the manager prefers to put me as a right wing-back, I will be more happy to play there or Number 10. I have no preference. I just want to follow the manager and his system.

“The difference as right wing-back (is), because you have to track back, you're a defender. You're more defender, and also you have to attack. Number 10 is more as a forward player. The difference is only this one, but I'm available for everything.”

Amad was an unused substitute for United in the 2021 Europa League final, as they suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal, and will be determined to get on the pitch and secure a medal this time around when the Red Devils face domestic rivals Tottenham in Bilbao.