Amad Diallo has addressed his future after leaving Sunderland last summer.
The Ivorian spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Sunderland after failing to make his breakthrough at Manchester United.
Amad shone in the Championship, picking up 17 goal contributions and helping the Black Cats reach the play-offs.
Sunderland made a number of attempts to bring Amad back to the Stadium of Light, before their interest ended when he suffered an injury during preseason of last year.
The Wearside outfit once again looked into snapping up the 22-year-old in January once he returned to full fitness but Erik ten Hag opted to keep him.
Amad’s future remained in doubt though as he managed only a handful of appearances following his return, but he went onto start their final seven games of the Premier League campaign.
Sunderland fans will have been delighted to see him bag a goal and an assist in their 3-2 win over Newcastle United in May, but it only encouraged the Red Devils to keep hold of him.
Amad has since impressed in preseason and has now spoken on his long-term future at Old Trafford, hinting that he would be open to staying at the club for the rest of his life.
Amad Diallo has no intention of leaving Man Utd
Speaking in the press conference ahead of their friendly against Real Betis, Amad said: “Honestly, I’d be happy to stay and play at Man United all my life!
“I’m very happy here. I think everyone is happy with me because I smile with everyone, good energy. Why not stay here all my life?
“It was not easy for me to get an injury in pre-season last season. I was out a long time but the most important thing was to come back stronger, to help the team and in the end I was happy with my contribution. I forgot the past and now I’m thinking about the present.
“I am so motivated to start the season, I’m so excited, I believe in the manager. Last season, I know didn’t play a lot but this season is going to be a good season for everyone and I’m so motivated to start the season.”
Sunderland’s hopes of re-signing Amad have long been over
Amad’s contract at United expires next summer, but it already looks highly likely that they will trigger the option to extend it for another year.
Sunderland’s hopes of re-signing the youngster were pretty much crushed as soon as he scored against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final, as it became glaringly obvious that he was never going to turn back to the Championship now.
Amad was always too good for the second tier, but there was doubts over whether he was ready for the step up at Old Trafford either. However, he showed that he definitely is last season and Ten Hag was instead receiving abuse for not playing him.
The Black Cats certainly miss him and he is completely irreplaceable, but seeing him smash it in the top flight is very much a bittersweet feeling for the Wearsiders.