Manchester United youngster Amad admits that he is confident his loan spell at Sunderland will boost his chances of making a name for himself at Old Trafford next season.
The Ivorian, who joined the Reds from Atalanta in January 2021, joined the Championship side on a season-long loan deal at the end of August. Amad spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish giants Rangers but struggled to earn regular opportunities, making just 13 appearances.
However, the 20-year-old has found opportunities easier to come by on Wearside this season, becoming a key fixture in manager Tony Mowbray's plans. He has so far racked up 32 appearances for the Black Cats, who were promoted from League One last season, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in the process.
READ MORE: Finnish businessman confirms unique bid to buy United
Although he has played the bulk of his football for the Black Cats on the right-wing, he has also served as an attacking-midfielder and as a striker, meaning he has stored some valuable experience under his belt. And with the Championship campaign now set to turn into the home straight for the final sprint to the finish line, Amad believes his stint at the Stadium of the Light will benefit him enormously ahead of returning to United for next season.
"Since I've been here, I've played in all the games and so I have felt I have more confidence," Amad told MUTV. "The manager and all the staff are confident in me and I think that this will help me a lot for next year. I hope that next year will be a good season for me.
"So, when a player goes on loan, the first thing is to get lots of playing minutes and, yes, once you get lots of minutes and start playing lots, you grow straight away. Your confidence increases, and I think that, since I have been here, at the beginning I didn't play much, but then I started playing regularly and from there it all started.
"And, like I said before, I think this loan spell will help me for next season because it has helped me mature and I have grown lots on a mental level as well, and feel I have the ability to show this next season."
Such is the unforgiving nature of the Championship it requires every player to be fully prepared both physically and mentally. It has meant that the United youngster has had to bulk up.
Amad continued: "When I arrived at United I was a bit thin. But yes, now I do lots in the gym, even when I'm at home and I haven't much to do.
"I think that it is needed for playing here in England because you need to do everything you can to be able to react to playing in this league. We've faced many teams in the Championship that had very physical players but I think the game doesn't always depend on the physicality because I think if you have the technical ability and if you have the ability to play fast, your physicality is less important.
"But yes, like I said before, it is important to have muscles to play against defenders. However, if you are intelligent players that can make the difference then it's needed less.
"I was even the Young Player of the Month [for December]. It was a very great feeling for me. I hope to continue in this and play very good this season."
Currently on nine goals with eight games to go, Amad will be itching to get into double figures before the end of the campaign. Should he achieve that, he will have hit a personal ambition.
"My objective here at the start of the season was to score 10 goals," he added. "Now I want to score more goals.
"But I have another objective which is to take this team into the Premier League because I know it will be difficult but I always tell myself nothing is impossible."
READ NEXT:
