Amad is fulfilling 'top tier' Man United prediction that proved Erik ten Hag both right and wrong

Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim praised new Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on Sunday as he reaped the benefits of Amad's return to form.

Under the interim head coach's run at United, Amad was given a starring role in the squad. He grabbed an assist against Leicester City in the Premier League and bagged two goals against PAOK in the Europa League.

Upon Amorim's arrival, the Ivorian has continued to receive opportunities and has rewarded his manager for the faith put in him. Three assists in two Premier League matches has been a brilliant haul for the winger who has adapted impressively to the wing-back role.

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But one man who was not thanked by Amorim, when perhaps he should have done, is Erik ten Hag. In January 2024, the Reds faced the tough decision on whether to sanction another loan spell for Amad with Championship side Sunderland - who he helped guide to the Championship play-offs in 2022-23 - or keep him in Manchester.

Ten Hag chose the latter route which did not surprise Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman. "I'm so happy Amad sat in here at the end of the season with me and Tony [Mowbray] and had a vibrant smile on his face," the Black Cats chief told The Athletic after the Ivorian's loan came to an end in the summer of 2023.

"He loved it. Naturally, that's what we want. Can Amad return to Sunderland? I don't think so.

"He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever. That's the level of player he is.

"The staff here, the players and supporters have helped him get back on that journey and hopefully that will attract more players to want