Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo says getting himself physical stronger has been key to his form on-loan with Sunderland.

A spell of scoring in three successive games towards the end of last year highlighted how well he has adapted and the Championship's Young Player of the Month award was no more than he deserved in December.

"When I arrived at Manchester United, I was a bit thin," he recalled to manutd.com. "But, yes, now I do lots in the gym, even when I'm at home and I haven't much to do. I think that it is needed for playing here in England because you need to do everything you can to be able to react to playing in this league.

"We've faced many teams in the Championship that had very physical players but I think the game doesn't always depend on the physicality because I think, if you have the technical ability and if you have the ability to play fast, your physicality is less important. But yes, like I said before, it is important to have muscles to play against defenders. However, if you are intelligent players that can make the difference, then it's needed less.

"I was even the Young Player of the Month [for December]. It was a very great feeling for me. I hope to continue in this and play very good this season."