Manchester United have suffered another setback at the start of the new Premier League campaign after Amad Diallo picked up an ankle injury in training that is expected to keep him out for around six weeks.
The Ivory Coast international sustained the injury during a training session at the club’s Carrington base earlier this week. Following medical examinations, the winger was reportedly informed that he would need an extended period of rehabilitation before he can return to full training.
The setback comes at an unfortunate time for Diallo, who had been establishing himself as an increasingly important member of Manchester United’s first team.
At 24, the winger has developed into one of the club’s more reliable attacking options, offering pace, movement and the ability to create opportunities in wide areas. His absence could therefore create a significant problem for manager Michael Carrick as United attempt to recover from a disappointing opening day.
Diallo’s rehabilitation is expected to last at least six weeks, although the exact length of his absence will depend on how his ankle responds to treatment. Manchester United’s medical team is expected to monitor his progress closely and avoid rushing him back before he is fully fit.
The injury could rule Diallo out of several important matches across domestic competitions.
Depending on the pace of his recovery and the club’s fixture schedule, the winger could miss as many as seven games. That would represent a considerable loss for a United side already looking for consistency and attacking rhythm at the beginning of the campaign.
Diallo’s injury also leaves Carrick with fewer natural options on the wings.
The Manchester United manager is now expected to turn to other attacking players, with Shea Lacey and Bryan Mbeumo among the options who could be asked to carry greater responsibility in wide positions.
United could also experiment with different tactical arrangements, particularly if injuries or fixture congestion create further selection problems.
Diallo’s absence is particularly frustrating because of the progress he had made in recent months. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders have provided United with an important attacking outlet, especially in matches where opponents sit deep and attempt to deny space around the penalty area.
Without him, other members of the squad will have to provide the creativity and attacking intensity that the Ivorian normally brings.
The injury adds to a difficult start for Manchester United, who opened their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Hull City.
Carrick’s side struggled defensively during the match and failed to produce enough attacking threat to prevent their opponents from securing all three points.
The defeat means United will be under pressure to respond quickly when they return to Old Trafford for their next league fixture.
Manchester United are scheduled to host Ipswich Town on August 30, giving Carrick an opportunity to secure his first Premier League victory of the season in front of the home supporters.
However, the absence of Diallo could make the task more difficult, particularly if United continue to experience problems breaking down organised defensive teams.
For Diallo, the immediate priority will be recovery rather than rushing back into competitive action. A careful rehabilitation programme should give him the best opportunity to return without aggravating the injury.
For Manchester United, meanwhile, the challenge is to find an effective solution until their attacking winger becomes available again.
The club will hope that Diallo can complete his rehabilitation successfully and return to first team football within the expected six week timeframe.
Until then, Carrick will have to rely on the depth of his squad as United attempt to turn around their difficult start and build momentum in the early stages of the Premier League season.
