Wayne Rooney
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
Manchester United have endured a miserable campaign and currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Their attack has struggled to create and convert chances, leaving the team without a consistent source of goals.
One player who was expected to provide a spark was Amad Diallo, who had repeatedly rescued the team in crucial moments.
However, a serious ankle injury sidelined him for months, leaving United without one of their most exciting attacking options.
As he continues his recovery, an interesting revelation has emerged regarding his past.
Wayne Rooney admits he tried to sign Amad Diallo
Wayne Rooney has now confirmed that he tried to sign Amad during his time as Derby County manager.
The United legend, who was battling to keep Derby in the Championship, believed he had secured a loan deal in January 2022.
However, the move fell apart at the last minute, with the winger joining Rangers instead.
Speaking to MUTV, Rooney reflected on the failed transfer:
“I tried to sign him [Amad Diallo] for Derby, when I was at Derby, on loan.
“I thought I had him, really. I think it was the next day, he went to Rangers out of the blue.”
At the time, the player was still in the early stages of his career, but he was already viewed as a top prospect.
His time in Scotland was brief, scoring three goals in 13 appearances.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
However his next loan spell in the Championship proved to be his breakthrough.
A stellar season at Sunderland saw him bag 14 goals and four assists, proving his quality at senior level.
Derby County fans might look back at Rooney’s missed opportunity and wonder if things could have been different.
The club was battling administration and heavy points deductions, making survival a monumental challenge.
Even with Rooney at the helm, the team ultimately couldn’t avoid relegation, and he departed shortly after.
Fast forward to the present, and Derby County find themselves in another relegation scrap.
They snapped a long winless run with victories over Blackburn Rovers and Coventry City, boosting their survival hopes.
Under new manager John Eustace, they are fighting to stay in the Championship, sitting just one point from safety ahead of their clash with Plymouth Argyle.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!