Sharpe says MUFC have an ‘exceptional’ star in their ranks, but he’s playing too safe to take himself to the next level

TL;DR

Lee Sharpe praises Manchester United's Amad Diallo as an 'exceptional' talent but notes he is playing too conservatively, impacting his goal contributions. Diallo has not scored or assisted since before the African Cup of Nations last December.

Sharpe says MUFC have an ‘exceptional’ star in their ranks, but he’s playing too safe to take himself to the next level

Lee Sharpe has hailed Amad Diallo’s ‘exceptional’ work rate, but voiced concerns over his play being slightly too comfortable.

It has perhaps shown in the Manchester United star’s goal returns, as he hasn’t scored or assisted since his final match before departing for the African Cup of Nations last December.

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How Amad has fared this campaign

In the clash, Amad etched his name onto the scoresheet in a drama-filled 4-4 draw at home to Bournemouth, taking his tally to two goals for the season in matchweek 16.

By that stage, he had also notched three assists, one of which came in United’s emphatic away victory over Liverpool to secure their first Anfield win in nine years.

However, since returning from AFCON, where he recorded three goals and an assist in five appearances, Amad has endured a dry spell.

While the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha have flourished under Michael Carrick, Amad is still awaiting his first contribution of the interim manager’s reign.

It’s not as if he isn’t getting in the right areas, either. Take United’s 3-1 win against Aston Villa last month, for example.

The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes and had three shots; one was on target, one was off target, and one was blocked (Fotmob). He also created two chances, but neither were converted into a goal.

What Sharpe had to say about Amad

After a particularly uninspiring display during Monday night’s defeat to Leeds United, Sharpe said of Amad (via The Peoples Person): “His work rate’s exceptional.

“He tracks back and helps out defensively. But at times against Leeds, I would have liked to have seen him go at the fullback a little bit more and take a few more risks.

“At times, there’s a little bit of safety in his game. Maybe the atmosphere in the way the team were playing, maybe that made him second-guess himself because he’s not been in the team. Maybe he was playing a little bit safer.

“But I’d like to see him take more risks and go at the full-back because early on he gave the full-back a few problems, but just seemed to play a little bit safer at times.”