Tony Mowbray is not losing any sleep over speculation that Manchester United could recall Amad from his loan spell at Sunderland next month. Reports this week indicated that the Red Devils were considering whether to trigger the recall options and bring some of their loan players back to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
One of those players is Amad, who has recently hit a rich vein of form on Wearside after forcing his way into the starting XI and, prior to the World Cup break, he had scored three goals in five outings for the Black Cats. Losing Amad in January would be a major blow for Mowbray and Sunderland, but the head coach is taking a relaxed approach - firstly, because the decision lies with Manchester United, and secondly because he feels Man U boss Erik Ten Hag has enough attacking options already without recalling the 20-year-old.
Speaking ahead of the resumption of Sunderland's Championship campaign at home to Millwall tomorrow, Mowbray said: "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'. I think Man United are in an alright place aren't they?
READ MORE: Sunderland could lose key man in January as Premier League giants weigh up options
"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."
Amad has made just three Premier League appearances since joining Manchester United from Atalanta in January 2021, and spent a loan spell in Scotland with Rangers last season before being allowed to join Sunderland in the summer. Mowbray believes Manchester United will see more benefit in allowing him to stay at the Stadium of Light and play regular first-team football than in recalling him for what would likely be a bit-part role - at best - in the second half of the season 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," said Mowbray. 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."
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