Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United youngster Amad has not done enough to prove that he is ready to cement himself within Erik ten Hag's plans this season.
Amad, who joined United from Italian outfit Atalanta on a four-and-a-half-year deal in January 2021, spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish giants Rangers, following just one appearance for the Reds last term up until the January transfer window opened. The move to Glasgow was seen as the ideal opportunity for the winger to get a feel for British football in a first-team environment.
But despite scoring just five minutes into his debut for the Gers, Amad, who has been included in United's 31-man squad for their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, struggled to make a significant impact north of the border. He racked up 13 appearances for the club, scoring three goals.
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He returned to United with uncertainty surrounding his future ahead of the forthcoming campaign, with it unclear if he would become a key part of Ten Hag's plans or be sent out on loan for a second time. For Ferdinand, the Ivorian would benefit from another temporary loan spell elsewhere, insisting that he "isn't ready" to step up to the first-team plate at Old Trafford.
"Unfortunately, he just isn't ready," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. "He just isn't ready.
"He went to Rangers, couldn't really get into the team and affect their team, which tells you he's not near getting into the Man United team. Do you know what I mean?
"Plus, again, is he the right player? He hasn't got that explosive pace that they're maybe looking for, he's more of a player with a bit more guile, who likes to come to the ball and create like that, rather than running onto things and behind and stuff like that.
"I just think it's a bit too early for someone like him to come in and take that mantle on. Yes, I don't think he's near enough to the first-team squad.
"If he'd have gone to Rangers and smashed it at Rangers then he'd have had a chance. But because he did nothing, he's going to be a little bit off it and he's someone we will look to loan out, I'd say."
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