Amad Diallo names two Man Utd stars that helped him recover from 'unlucky' pre-season injury

Amad Diallo took advice from experienced Manchester United duo Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro during his long spell out injured.

Amad missed the majority of pre-season and first-half of the campaign after suffering a serious knee injury in the summer friendly against Arsenal. The 21-year-old lasted just 15 minutes before coming off and was seen leaving the MetLife Stadium on crutches.

It was a hugely unfortunate blow for Amad, who had been given the chance to impress manager Erik ten Hag during pre-season after an excellent spell on loan at Sunderland. The road to recovery was long and hard but he had experienced teammates to lean on throughout.

"When I came back [from Sunderland], I was so motivated and had a lot of confidence because last season I played a lot so already I was more confident to help the team," Amad told MUTV. "Unluckily I got my injury, but I’m back into full training now. 

"If the manager puts me on the pitch, I'll try to help the team. I'm focused on the pitch, I’m focused in training and if the manager gives me a chance I'll take it.

"Lisandro Martinez helped me a lot because he was also injured. Every time we were in training he spoke with me, he said ‘its nothing Amad, train hard’. Casemiro also, everyone helped me a lot. John the physio as well. It's good and now I am back with the team and I am very happy."

Care was taken not to rush Amad back into playing, following his reintegration into training a month ago. He was finally handed his first appearance of the season off the bench during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, replacing Antony on 54 minutes.

The likely exit of Jadon Sancho this month, following his public fallout with Ten Hag and exile from the first-team, could open up a space in the first-team squad for Amad between now and May. The young winger has also been linked with another loan move and attracted interest from the Championship and across Europe.