Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has pushed back against the idea of Manchester United recalling loanee Amad, suggesting that the 20-year-old wouldn't get the game time he needs at Old Trafford.
The attacker went into the World Cup break with three goals in his last five matches having started each of them. The Manchester Evening News revealed this week that United see a future for the Ivorian at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag is searching for attacking reinforcements after the abrupt exit of Cristiano Ronaldo last month. Amad has a recall clause in his loan contract at Sunderland but Mowbray indicated that he doesn’t think it would be the wisest move for the youngster, whose confidence is “flourishing”.
READ MORE: Manchester United staff optimistic Amad can succeed at club
“We’ll have to wait and see what happens but we’re not sitting here at the moment thinking, ‘Oh, Man United are going to take him back in January because he’s going to go and make a massive impact for them’,” the Black Cats manager said (as per the Sunderland Echo ).
Touching on the current strength of the United squad, he added: “I think Man United are in an alright place aren’t they? They’re doing okay.
“They’ve got a young Argentinian lad [Alejandro Garnacho] coming through who’s been scoring a few goals for them, and I’m sure they’ll be wanting to give him a chance. [Christian] Eriksen obviously looks really talented, and their midfield has been shaken up a little bit.
“They started with Fred and [Scott] McTominay, but now you’ve got lots of different options with the likes of Casemiro, Antony and [Bruno] Fernandes as well. I guess the point I’m trying to make is that I’m not sure he’s going to be going back.”
Mowbray cast doubt over whether a recall would benefit Amad himself, reasoning that his development would be better served with regular minutes at the Stadium of Light than sporadic cameos at Old Trafford.
“If he was to go back, then I’m not sure he’d be going back to play, and surely at the age the boy is, he needs to play," the 59-year-old added.
"He’s doing that here, and I think this is a great vehicle for him to be showcasing his talent. He’s helping our team to be successful, and he’s showcasing his talent to Man United.
“I know he’s enjoying it – you can see that by the smile on his face every day now, as opposed to a month ago, when he was quite a shy, introverted individual. Now, his talent is flourishing and he’s enjoying himself, and I’m sure he’s not in any rush to go back.”
Mowbray arrived at Sunderland in the wake of Alex Neil’s departure to Stoke City amidst Amad’s arrival in Tyne and Wear. The new boss had little to do with the forward’s arrival but has been mightily impressed with his progression after a staggered start, which saw him begin just two of his first eight matches.
"Amad came to the party for us - and I feel he's really settling in with the group,” Mowbray said. "There's an understanding now that this kid has got real talent and deserves to be respected within the team.
“For me to pick him over Patrick Roberts... I sat in a press room a couple of weeks ago and said I didn't think there was a better player in the league than Roberts.
"Amad has been unbelievable in training, so fast with his feet and direct, and his physical data from all our recent games has been incredible. He scored a wonderful goal, and we see him do that every day in training."
READ NEXT:
