Manchester United have 27 days to make simple Amad decision amid transfer clause

Amad has made his plans for the future very clear. “I want to stay here for a long, long, long time to make history with this club,” he said last month.

The Ivorian sees his contract expire in June, but there would be astonishment if Manchester United failed to tie him down to a new deal. Ruben Amorim has promised supporters that an agreement will be reached.

“I think he wants to stay, and we want him to stay, so we will find a solution,” he said this week. The Manchester Evening News understands that United plan to trigger Amad’s one-year contract extension before sitting down to discuss fresh terms.

READ MORE: Manchester United give update on Amad's future amid contract wait

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United ought to do so within the next 27 days, after which overseas clubs can approach and convince him to sign pre-contract agreements given he enters the final six months of his deal on January 1.

Amad’s potential is obvious, and the club would do well to batten down the hatches and dissolve any chance of the youngster being tempted away. Of course, United are in a strong position.

The player says he wishes to stay; the head coach likes him, he’s playing games, and the automatic one-year contract extension clause means there will be little panic over the 22-year-old’s future. But why wait?

Sure, contract details need to be negotiated and agreed upon, but for the next four weeks, Amad should be United’s transfer priority. He has been one of the club’s standout performers so far, especially under Amorim, and fits into Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s longevity plan.

The likes of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof - all past their 30th