Regis Le Bris: ‘Ivorian Amad Diallo won’t be Sunderland’s friend’

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris says Ivorian Amad Diallo won’t be their friend when they line up against his Manchester United on Saturday.

The 23-year-old is a likeable figure at the Stadium of Light after he spent a successful loan spell, hence the French coach’s comments.

A chance to right the wrongs of the weekend 💪🔴 pic.twitter.com/Brii59eM7h

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 30, 2025

Le Bris told a post-match press conference that their affection with Amad would be shelved for 90 minutes of the Premier League game.

“His spell here was really important,” the manager said.

“The coaching staff likes him – as a person and as a player – so both. Now he is in the opponents. He plays with the opponents. He will be an opponent. So it will be great to say hello but, during the game, he won’t be a friend.”

How Amad fared during his loan spell with Sunderland

Amad spent time with the Black Cats in the Sky Bet Championship during the 2022/23 season.

The Ivorian helped Sunderland to reach the Championship play-off semi-finals. Eventually, the club missed out on Premier League promotion.

Some three seasons later, Sunderland are back in the top-flight league of England, providing a platform for a reunion with their former player although he is in the opposite camp.

Amad has been named in United’s playing squad for the game against Sunderland. He has returned after being granted a compassionate leave. He, therefore, missed the game Ruben Amorim’s side lost 3-1 at Brentford last weekend.