Erik ten Hag has already given Amad a Manchester United challenge he must rise to

When Manchester United lock horns with Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on Monday evening, Amad will be targeting his first competitive start in almost eight months.

The winger last started a competitive fixture on May 16 last year, featuring for Sunderland as their Premier League dream came crashing down. After winning the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Luton Town 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats were beaten 2-0 in the reverse fixture at Kenilworth Road.

That defeat marked the Ivorian's 42nd and final appearance in a Sunderland shirt, bringing a highly productive loan spell to an end. He had excelled during his first loan spell in England, producing a series of performances and goals that meant Sunderland's supporters were not prepared to say goodbye.

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Such was the impressive nature of his time at Sunderland, the 21-year-old returned to Old Trafford in the summer with the ambition of forcing his way into Erik ten Hag's first-team plans. He started the wins over Leeds United and Lyon in United's opening two pre-season friendlies before being included in the squad for the official tour of the United States.

The tour felt as though it would be an audition period for the former Atalanta youngster and it was a gut-wrenching blow when he was forced off just 14 minutes after stepping off the bench with a serious knee injury in their opening game.

The 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in New Jersey on July 22 marked Amad's final appearance in United colours until December 30, with him making his long-awaited comeback