Southampton coach Ivan Juric believes rising star Tyler Diebling would be better off staying at St Mary's amid reported interest from rivals Manchester United tomorrow evening.
Dibling has been the only bright spot for the Saints in an otherwise dismal season that looks certain to end with an immediate return to the Championship.
The 18-year-old has emerged as a regular on the right wing and caught the eye with his trickery and pace.
Yellowing 🎶
In our away kit for a double game week on the road đź’›
– Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 15, 2025
These characteristics are believed to have alerted United but new coach Juric believes the teenager is in the ideal place to continue his footballing education.
“Of course, because he needs to play and improve, so of course it is better for him to stay here,” Juric said.
Impressive in a forward role
Diebling has played a more attacking role in recent matches as Juric tries to find a way to guide Southampton – who have taken just six points from 20 league games this season – to a narrow escape.
He added: “I think he is better when he plays forward because he does not have to do a lot of defensive work. He can score one-on-one, so (playing forward) is good for him at the moment.
United host Southampton tomorrow and Ruben Amorim will start to make an impact. A 2-2 draw with Liverpool on January 5 was followed by a penalty shootout win over Arsenal last Sunday in the FA Cup, with United showing plenty of fight in both matches.
Juric said: “They changed the coach and the playing style, and played 3-4-3 like (Amorim played) at Sporting. They are trying to find the right way.”
