This summer will mark a crucial crossroads for several Manchester United players - few more so than Amad.
The 20-year-old will return to Carrington for pre-season with an outstanding season of Championship football under his belt, having starred on loan at Sunderland. Surrounded by young talent and with the experienced Tony Mowbray in charge, he racked up an impressive 14 goals.
Arguably more important than the goals were the 39 appearances in which they came from - an indication of Mowbray's trust in the youngster to deliver week in, week out. The Black Cats boss often spoke of him almost playing too often, such was his importance in the push for play-offs where they eventually lost out to Luton Town in the semi-finals.
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Figures at United told the Manchester Evening News back in November that Amad merely needed 'a run of 10 games' to show his qualities, and Erik ten Hag is said to be pleased with the Ivorian's development. Pre-season will offer a fresh chance for player and manager to come together and discuss next steps.
Amad admitted earlier this season that his 'dream' is to play for the Reds, and his performances at the Stadium of Light have encouraged supporters enough to clamour for his place in the first team. But with the utmost respect to Sunderland, the gap between themselves and United is a large one.
Ten Hag is fairly well-stocked in wide areas, even amid plans to offload Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri - the latter hoped to be a Premier League loan.
Marcus Rashford enjoyed his most prolific campaign last season while Antony started to show his true quality in the final months. Jadon Sancho struggled again but will likely be given another chance, while Alejandro Garnacho will hope to build on his breakthrough season with more consistent minutes.
As good as Amad has been for Sunderland, the question remains as to whether he can replicate that form not only in the top tier but for one of the most demanding fanbases in the league.
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman admitted on Monday that the Championship side have almost no chance of welcoming Amad back to the Stadium of Light next season, insisting he was ready to make the next step in his career.
"He should be playing in tier one, in England, La Liga, Bundesliga, wherever," he said. And while he is right, that step may be somewhere between Sunderland and United.
Amad won't be short of potential suitors again this summer and has admirers in the Premier League and across Europe. Newly-promoted Burnley have been mentioned in reports, as have the likes of Everton, West Ham and Fulham.
As with Pellistri, it may be that Amad is sent to a top-flight side on loan, allowing him to experience life against the world's best defenders without the pressure of having to make an instant impact at United. Perhaps an offer of European football would also provide an opportunity to shine on that stage.
Similarly, a loan move to a top European side can provide the stepping stone. United signed Amad from Atalanta back in 2021 and the Bergamo-based side would be no bad place to return, having secured Europa League football for next season.
Feyenoord have also been linked with a loan deal for the youngster, and Ten Hag will know only too well how good a season under their excellent manager, Arne Slot, could be for his development.
Predictions that Amad needed a run of starts to flourish were completely on the money, but as important as consistent football was last season, the same will be equally true over the next year. United will not be able to offer a run of 10 consecutive starts, especially if they are challenging for the Premier League and other major honours as is hoped.
Sanctioning another loan is not a sideways move, and the right decision can offer a chance for development in one of Europe's top leagues. But more importantly, it can offer the continuation of regular exposure to senior football.
For now, it is about returning to Carrington and enjoying pre-season. Everything else will fall into place.
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