‘No-brainer’ – Former Arsenal star urges Manchester United to offer young forward a new contract

Former Arsenal and Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue has urged Manchester United to reward fellow countryman Amad Diallo with a new contract.

It has been two weeks since Amad scored a brace to help United pick up their first UEFA Europa League win of the season, beating PAOK 2-0 at Old Trafford. The win was a continuation of a string of encouraging performances under caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who left the club following Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

That means Amad has another coach to impress at Old Trafford, but his performances of late should stand him in good stead to get selected on match day.

Amad has managed three goals and two assists from 16 appearances this season.

The Ivory Coast international will hope to feature in the starting line-up on Sunday when Amorim takes charge of his first game in the Premier League against Ipswich Town.

His current contract expires next summer, although the club do have an option to extend for another year.

Eboue thinks the 22-year-old is deserving of an extension on better terms and that he believes Amad will excel under Amorim.

“I think it’s a no-brainer that Man United will give him a new contract. Every time he was given a chance, he always showed his goal. I think it will be even better with Amorim,” Eboue told The Nerve Africa.

“The composure he shows with the ball, for such a young boy, is excellent. It’s so good to see a player from my home country come into his own and decide games for a club of the stature of Manchester United. I think he will be great, if he has more time.”

He added: “Manchester United needs to be proactive here. Amad Diallo has the potential to be a key player for the team for years to come,” he concluded.

Amad wants to commit his long-term future to Manchester United

In July, Amad said he wants to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of his life.

There have been suggestions over a new deal but nothing has been finalised yet.

“Yes, why not?” he replied when asked if he would like to remain at United beyond his current deal, as quoted by BBC Sport. “I am happy here and I think everyone is happy with me, because I smile with everyone and bring good energy.

“Why not stay here all my life?”