Pranav Nair
Solskjaer: Amad Diallo could make Manchester United debut against Real Sociedad
Speaking ahead of the game against Real Sociedad (h/t The Daily Mail), Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire could make their senior debuts for the club tonight.
The 18-year-old Diallo completed his move to Old Trafford last month and has since generated much hype regarding his abilities. He has so far made two appearances for the club’s Under-23 side scoring and assisting three apiece. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Shoretire too has been in excellent form for the Under-23s. The 17-year-old recently signed his first proifessional contract with the club and is a player to watch out for.
Having been included in the squad that travelled to Turin, both players could be on the verge of their first-team debuts. After all, as Solskjaer says, they haven’t just travelled to make up the numbers.
“They’re not in the travelling squad just for experience. They’re there to make an impact if they have to.”
United go into the game sans Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek, with both of them nursing muscle issues. With Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay also a doubt to feature, Diallo and Shoretire could get their chance.
“Maybe they’ll get their chance before we expected.”
Having already lost Paul Pogba for the remainder of the month, it remains to be seen if Solskjaer will risk his other major first-team stars. Given our recent record against Spanish sides, we could do with all the help we can get.
A difficult opponent!
The Red Devils are winless in their last nine games against La Liga opposition. While Sociedad are no Real Madrid or Barcelona, we will be underestimating them at our own peril.
“It was probably the hardest draw you could pick from our unseeded group.”
A number of United youngsters made their debut for the club in last season’s Europa League tournament. They did admittedly have the advantage of facing lower standard opposition or inconsequential ties where Solskjaer could afford to risk them.
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The same cannot be said for tonight. Sociedad represents a proper challenge. Diallo and Shoretire will have their hands full. With 11 substitutes permitted, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if both players started on the bench.
