Manchester United wildcard has seven games to prove his worth to Erik ten Hag

Being held at half-time by Rotherham United at the Stadium of Light on the final day of last August, Sunderland had to do something to lift the mood.

Ahead of Tony Mowbray's side reappearing for the start of the second half, Sunderland officials attempted to raise the volume levels by introducing four new signings to their new army of supporters. Among them was Manchester United youngster Amad, who had joined the club on loan for the duration of the 2022/23 season earlier in the day.

Presented alongside Abdoullah Ba, Edouard Michut, Jewison Benette, Amad turned out to be the best capture of the quartet. Unfortunately for Sunderland, however, they knew they wouldn't be able to keep him.

Though he was never their player, they provided him with the platform to unleash his potential in English football for the very first time, meaning United now have a decision to make on him ahead of the forthcoming campaign. The Ivorian excelled on Wearside, capturing the hearts of every die-hard Mackem.

Playing a key role in helping them mount an unexpected play-off charge, Amad made 42 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and grabbing four assists. His overall performances were littered with tricks and flicks, leaving most Sunderland fans in awe of his talent.

Now, though, Amad has got the challenge of trying to replicate similar standards in United colours, where the expectation levels will unsurprisingly soar. United supporters monitored the 20-year-old's progress last season and many of them hope Erik ten Hag will give him a chance to prove his worth in pre-season.

United will get their pre-season campaign under way in just over a week's time, travelling to Oslo to face Leeds United in their opening warm-up match. That will mark