Manchester United’s reported interest in Senegalese teenager Assane Diao has prompted a measured response from Como manager Cesc Fàbregas, who clarified the club’s stance on the 19-year-old amid growing speculation over a potential summer move.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Fàbregas addressed the mounting rumours linking Diao with a move to Old Trafford.
While acknowledging the Premier League club’s interest, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder was keen to underline Como’s long-term strategy, which is built around nurturing young talents like Diao rather than immediately profiting from them.
“Our goal is to bring in players who have struggled for minutes elsewhere,” Fàbregas explained.
“We want to give them the environment to grow, to develop their potential, and to become important assets for the team.
The plan isn’t to sell quickly, but to build a team where these young players can thrive.”
Assane Diao, who joined Como earlier this season, has quickly established himself as a key figure under Fàbregas’ leadership.
Despite his age, the winger has shown flashes of brilliance and maturity that have caught the attention of scouts across Europe, particularly in England.
Describing Diao’s development, Fàbregas was full of praise for the teenager’s approach both on and off the pitch.
“At 19, Assane is still learning, and it’s natural that his performances will vary. But what stands out is his character.
His attitude, how he manages pressure, how he interacts with teammates—these are qualities you don’t always find in someone his age.”
While Como remain committed to their vision of developing youth, Fàbregas conceded that certain offers may be too significant to ignore.
“If Manchester United come and put €40 million on the table for Assane, I think any club in our position would find it difficult to say no,” he admitted.
Such a bid would represent a substantial windfall for the Serie B side and a potentially life-changing move for Diao, who continues to make strides in his first full season at senior level.
Though still raw in areas, his pace, technical ability, and willingness to take on defenders have drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s most promising wide players.
Manchester United’s growing interest is seen as part of a broader strategy to invest in emerging talent capable of contributing both immediately and in the future.
With several key attacking roles under scrutiny at Old Trafford, Diao’s name has reportedly been discussed internally as a potential long-term investment.
For now, however, Como appear determined to keep their rising star focused on the task at hand. The club, under Fàbregas’ guidance, remains in the thick of the promotion battle and views Diao as central to their ambitions.
The coming months could prove pivotal. Should Diao maintain his current trajectory, the pressure on Como to entertain high-profile offers may intensify.
But until then, Fàbregas is intent on shielding his young forward from distractions and keeping him grounded in the environment that has brought out his best so far.
