Sunderland boss hits back at critics of Manchester United loanee Amad amid dip in form

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has launched a staunch defence of Manchester United loanee Amad amid a drop in output, stating the attacker “does things that normal players don’t”.

The Reds striker - signed by United from Atalanta in 2021 - went on a hot scoring streak over the festive period, netting seven times in 13 Championship matches between October and January which included a run of five goals in seven games.

He has started all but one of Sunderland’s last 18 league matches although has failed to score since January 22, six matches ago, which increases to eight once FA Cup fixtures are included.

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The 20-year-old grabbed an assist in the sole Championship match he failed to start since October, coming off the bench to help Sunderland to a 3-0 win over Queens Park Rangers 10 days ago. Black Cats boss Mowbray has railed against suggestions that seven-goal Amad should be dropped amid his barren run.

He told the Sunderland Echo: “I wouldn’t criticise Amad – I struggle to pick a team without him. He went through a really hot spell where he scored just about every game for us for a few weeks, but he still contributes massively to our team and the way that we function.

“He’s a kid who has never played football regularly, he played a handful of games for Atalanta and then went to Manchester United where didn’t play much, and then had a loan to Rangers where he didn’t play regularly.

“He’s come here and it’s the first time, probably ever in his life, where he has played men’s football week in, week out and it will be very demanding on him.

“It’s nothing surprising that at times he doesn’t quite hit the absolute pinnacle of what he can bring,