Ruben Amorim has been forced to scrap his plans for Amad Diallo at Man Utd (Image: Getty)
has reportedly decided to rip up his future plans for at after missing on one of his top targets to . The Blues moved under the radar to ahead of the summer transfer window after ‘secretly’ negotiating with the Portuguese outfit, according to widespread reports. While the deal has not been officially announced by , it is widely expected that Quenda will link up with the west London outfit in 2026 as he spends the next 18 months with his boyhood club. Meanwhile, United’s plans have been left it tatters after being gazumped by their Premier League rivals, forcing Amorim to go back to the drawing board.
Amorim was planning to use Quenda on the right-hand side of his 3-4-3 formation after handing the teenager his big break while in charge of his former team. Quenda was primarily used on the left during his time in Lisbon, but the 40-year-old coach signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January to occupy that space. However, Quenda’s decision to join means he may now need to turn to Amad, who fits a similar profile to the youngster, according to
The Ivorian has proved to be a shining light in an otherwise dismal campaign for the Red Devils, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 36 appearances. He has been trialled in the role on previous occasions as Amorim sticks to his favoured 3-4-3 formation.
After witnessing his impressive attacking performances, including a hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Southampton, Amorim had considered giving Amad a starting role further forward. But Quenda’s decision has left him in a quandry and the performances of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the right-back role have come under question of late.
Man Utd target Geovany Quenda is set to join Chelsea in 2026 (Image: Getty)
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It could force the Portuguese tactician, 40, to push Amad further back and free up one of the attacking spots for Alejandro Garnacho, and Joshua Zirkzee.
Amorim hopes that the 22-year-old will return to action before the end of the season after suffering ankle ligament damage during a training session in February. And that will give him the chance to test the former Atalanta trainee in the deeper wide position.
Despite his notable form this year, Amorim is convinced he still has room for improvement.
Amad Diallo could be used as a wing-back for Man Utd (Image: Getty)
“He’s doing a very good season. I’ve already said, you have to be careful with young kids,” he said of Amad in January.
“He did a really good job today. He has a lot to improve but this game is in the past and you have to prepare for the future. Football is like this and life is like this.”