Man Utd learn Amad Diallo injury return date

Manchester United could welcome influential absentee Amad Diallo back from his long-term injury at some point in May as the prolific forward is reportedly "ahead of schedule".

The Ivorian had been a shining light for the Red Devils throughout a miserable campaign, coming to the fore when Ruben Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout in late November.

The 22-year-old grabbed an assist during Amorim's first outing against Ipswich Town and didn't look back, with his current seasonal tally standing at nine goals and seven assists in all competitions. He even provided crucial strikes in high-profile clashes with United's rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.

But the forward was dealt a devastating setback in early February when he suffered an ankle injury in training that has kept him on the sidelines ever since. Amad has missed eight games since his most recent outing in the FA Cup fourth round against Leicester City.

Amad was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign but Amorim hinted previously that he may return earlier than expected. That assessment has now been corroborated by Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist claimed that Amad was "progressing well" and "ahead of schedule" in his recovery. While the club staff are said to be "cautious" of rushing him back, the talismanic forward is expected to return "around May".

The youngster teased his own comeback on social media recently and given United's attacking woes during his absence, the prospect of the insatiable forward returning before the season's conclusion will delight the club's supporters. While there is little for the Red Devils to play for domestically, the winger's comeback could be crucial should United reach the latter stages of the Europa League.

Having allowed Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan over the past two transfer windows, United now find themselves short in the final third. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have underwhelmed in the number nine department, while Alejandro Garnacho - the club's only other orthodox winger - has struggled of late.

If Amad returns in May, he could feature in United's final four Premier League games of the season against Brentford, West Ham United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, as well as potential Europa League semi-final legs and the showpiece event itself.

Man Utd's potential fixtures in May

*Dates subject to change

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