Why Manchester United loanee Amad was taken off after 30 minutes for Rangers

Manchester United loanee Amad was substituted after half an hour for Rangers during their 3-1 win away at Motherwell on Saturday.

The 19-year-old was starting his first league game since February and his third in the Scottish Premiership since his January switch. The youngster has not had a happy time at Ibrox, struggling to find form and playing just eight games.

It led to reports that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted to end his loan early. Amad is yet to score since his debut on January 29.

READ MORE:Paul Scholes reveals conversation with Jesse Lingard about 'disaster' Manchester United dressing room

His start against Motherwell this weekend would have come as a confidence boost for the United attacker. But he was hooked off on 30 minutes after centre-back Leon Balogun was shown a red card.

Van Bronckhorst decided to sacrifice Amad to bring on defender Calvin Bassey to shore up the backline. Despite being a man light, Rangers went on to win 3-1 and keep their title hopes alive.

Amad can take heart from the fact he has played in two consecutive league games for the first time since February. Before the game, Van Bronckhorst explained to Sky Sports why he decided to give the teenager the nod for the trip to Motherwell.

He said: "He has talent. He came in during the winter break - he's had some good and not so good moments. He's kept training hard and now we're giving him the chance to play. In training, he's looked good, so hopefully he can extend that in the games."

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.