Erik ten Hag must make a big promise to Manchester United youngster Amad this summer

Back in January, Erik ten Hag admitted he had "a little bit of reservation" about the prospect of recalling Amad back to Manchester United from his loan spell at Sunderland.

At the time, the Ivorian was enjoying the best football of his fledgling career and on the way to helping Sunderland reach the Championship play-offs. Some sections of the United fanbase were calling for Ten Hag to bring Amad back as the Reds struggled for goals away from Marcus Rashford.

However, Ten Hag remained firm. "We consider everything, but I have a little bit of reservation about that because I don’t want to stop the process," he said.

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"He's made really good progress there so I’m happy with that. When we decide for him to come back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting line-up or come on for a lot of games and make an impact."

MEN Sport understands United are open to making Amad part of their first-team plans next season. It is understood the winger will be included in the Reds' US tour squad while Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga are likely to be loaned out.

But question marks remain as to whether this will be seen as enough for Amad. On Sunday, the 20-year-old appeared to confirm his interest in returning to Sunderland next season should they keep hold of Tony Mowbray as manager.

And who could possibly blame him? Even if United part ways with Pellistri and Elanga, the likes of Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho would all still potentially be ahead of him in the pecking order.

At Sunderland, he is guaranteed to be a key player and will be at a club who will be among the favourites to gain promotion to the Premier League. For Ten Hag,