Amad and Alejandro Garnacho Man United transfer price speaks volumes for Ruben Amorim exit plan
In the week that news of Chelsea's interest in Alejandro Garnacho became public, Amad had already shown why Manchester United moved away from their 'untouchable' and 'unsellable' transfer tags. The pair's fortunes are currently stark in contrast.
In a 12-minute blitz at home to Southampton, Ruben Amorim's reliable attacking wing-back, or just straight-out dynamic forward, continued a run of form that has threatened to show up United's other players all season. Amad is now undroppable himself. He has a rightful claim to be well ahead of Garnacho in the pecking order. That stance is justified and reflected in every sinew of the club right now.
As for the Argentine, questions around his attitude and discipline both on and off the field have gained more traction with his wider performances under Amorim. He has only started four of the league games since the end of November and is yet to score or assist for the new boss.
It is easy to forget just how highly rated both players have been for so long, though, and the fickle nature of football is often evident when writing youngsters off at an early age. Amad's struggles to get into the United first team regularly after arriving, combined with Garnacho's earlier breakthrough, is a perfect example.
The Ivorian's future at United was soon with a backdrop that he was competing against Garnacho for an attacking spot. Someone two years younger and immediately the centre of attention for his electric speed and flashy feet took the spotlight and it has been a battle to get back to being on top.
Having two players under the age of 23 able to offer so much spark is no bad thing, even if their personal journeys have not always been straightforward. They can both play off either wing