Manchester United could use £37m trump card to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund

When Amad signed for Manchester United in October 2020, eyebrows were raised at the hefty transfer fee he commanded.

The youngster had only played nine times, making just three starts, for Atalanta's first-team, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tried to justify the investment by insisting the club had just signed 'one of the most exciting young prospects in the game'.

United paid £19million rising to £37m for Amad from Atalanta and the deal meant the Italian club received another large fee for an academy product, following their sale of Dejan Kulusevski to Juventus for €35m earlier that year.

Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here

ALSO READ: Manchester United problem could be solved within four games

Atalanta have been the plucky underdogs in the Serie A over the last few years. Their academy is outstanding, their recruitment is smart and being efficiently run has allowed them to punch above their weight in European competition.

Two of their biggest exports Amad and Kulusevski, who now plays for Tottenham, have taken different paths since leaving Bergamo, but it's possible the pair could play against each other in the Premier League next season.

Kulusevski made a strong impression on loan at Spurs last term and he was signed on a permanent deal this summer. He's established in their first-team and Amad is hoping to break through into the senior side at Old Trafford.

Amad contributed 14 goals and four assists during his Sunderland loan stint and he produced some magical moments in big games, with a youthful squad led by Tony Mowbray defying expectations to make the Championship play-offs.

The youngster pulled a rabbit out of a