Whatever the outcome of Sunderland's play-off campaign, those of a Black Cats persuasion will look back on the 2022/23 campaign with great fondness.
Not only have they massively exceeded expectations, achieving a top-six finish in the Championship after four successive seasons in League One, but they have also been treated to watching one of the most exciting prospects in the country week-in, week-out. Few would have anticipated that Amad would become so adored on Wearside and Sunderland's supporters' reaction towards him is bound to be an emotional one if their season ends at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night, although they travel with a first leg lead after a 2-1 weekend win.
The Manchester United youngster has been nothing short of sensational this season, playing a key role in Sunderland's unexpected attempt to end their Premier League exile. He has chipped in with 14 goals in 41 appearances, as well as four assists, meaning he has cemented his place in the hearts of Sunderland supporters forever.
READ MORE: United fans hail Amad after stunning Sunderland goal vs Luton
After an underwhelming loan spell at Scottish side Rangers during the second half of last season, it was clear that Amad needed another loan spell, this time at a club where he could spend the duration of a full season, playing regularly and in a demanding, intensive environment. The Championship was a tailor-made fit.
He has stood head and shoulders above almost every other player in the division this season, certainly in terms of technical ability. After all, despite the ever-improving standard of the second tier, how many £37million players rock up in the Championship? Not many.
That aforementioned price tag was, of course, what United paid for him in January 2021, meaning they could not possibly have allowed him to head out on loan and not have a plan in place for his long-term future. He has done more than enough this season to prove that he is worthy of having a crack at the Premier League next season.
His skillset is broad, his pace is electrifying and his finishing ability is not too shabby, either. Just ask Luton Town goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
United have kept a close eye on Amad's development over the course of the season and as the campaign has neared its conclusion it is only natural that Erik ten Hag has been quizzed on the Ivorian's long-term future in recent weeks. The Dutchman, on Friday, was asked if he has a part to play in his plans for next season and his answer was positive.
He said: "Yes. Of course, we loan such players to make development and make progress to bring them back, that is the aim of the loan."
The gulf between the top of the Championship and the top of the Premier League is, of course, massive, and it will be down to Amad to prove that he can cope with that significant jump in quality. Nevertheless, United must have known they buying quality when they transferred £37million into Atalanta's bank account just over two years ago.
But where exactly would he fit into Ten Hag's plans, certainly in terms of a position where he could expect frequent opportunities? United, as things stand, are well-stocked in wide areas, but do plan to let two forwards leave on loan this summer, one of whom is expected to be Facundo Pellistri.
The Uruguayan has struggled for regular opportunities this season, playing just nine times, starting only once, meaning a loan move would be in the best interests of his development. Anthony Elanga is another realistic candidate to head out on loan and attempt to resurrect his career after an underwhelming campaign.
If those two were to depart, that would leave United with five natural wingers: Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad. Of that quintet, you would argue that Antony and Rashford would top Ten Hag's pecking order to start week-in, week-out, lining up on the right and the left, respectively.
Sancho, who is still struggling to live up to expectations at Old Trafford, has played the best of his football in United colours on the left and Garnacho is more suited to operating on that side of the pitch as well, leaving Ten Hag with three high-quality left-wingers. That leaves Antony light on competition on the opposite side, meaning Amad would be perfect to provide him with that and become United's back-up right-winger.
Bruno Fernandes has often been tasked with playing out wide this season, particularly on the right, suggesting that Ten Hag may lack faith in Pellistri and Elanga at this stage of their careers. That means Amad could be ideal for the role, offering the Dutchman an alternative option on the right flank.
Amad is not going to accept returning to Old Trafford, falling way down the pecking order and being forgotten about after such a prosperous loan spell. Just being in the matchday squad every week would be a positive next step.
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