When the time comes for Erik ten Hag to sit down and analyse the data from Manchester United's army of loanees this summer, Amad's numbers will stick out like a sore thumb.
The Ivorian, who joined United from Italian side Atalanta in January 2021, has been the jewel in the Reds' loan crown this season, playing an instrumental role in Sunderland's hopes of achieving a second successive promotion. Ahead of the final day of the Championship campaign next Monday, the winger has scored 12 goals and claimed four assists in 39 appearances for the Black Cats.
Amad's time on Wearside has enabled him to experience the thrill and the competitive nature of first-team football in England on a regular basis for the very first time. His silky skills and exciting style of play have meant that he has lit up the Championship, capturing the hearts of Sunderland's supporters, who may have to say goodbye following their final day trip to Preston North End.
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Amad has benefitted from playing for a club with huge expectation levels and a manager who knows how to nurture and develop young talent. Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray worked with Liverpool's Harvey Elliott at Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21.
But Amad's season-long loan spell at the Stadium of Light, most certainly in his eyes, will count for very little if he fails to make the breakthrough he is desperate for at Old Trafford. But, as was reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, United manager Ten Hag is prepared to open the door on Amad's path to the first team for next season.
Club staff, unsurprisingly, are understood to be pleased with the progress Amad has made at Sunderland this term, hence why Ten Hag is open to including him in his plans for 2023/24. The 20-year-old will offer the Dutchman an alternative option in attack, both out wide and through the centre, with the youngster having shown off his versatility this season.
But while Amad's performances this season have boosted his chances of being part of Ten Hag's plans next term, it could have a direct impact on others, not least Anthony Elanga. The Swede has been restricted to a bit-part role this season, making 26 appearances, and has not featured in the Premier League since the 7-0 thrashing at Liverpool on March 5.
In what was a dark period for United in the second half of last season under former interim manager Ralf Rangnick, Elanga was a ray of light. His development was fast-tracked under Rangnick and he made 26 appearances during his short spell in charge.
He chipped in with three goals, including a career first in the Champions League, netting United's equaliser during the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium, offering optimism that Rangnick had uncovered a star for the future. However, he has failed to kick on this season, though it is fair to point out that United's squad has been much stronger this term than it was when he first burst onto the scene.
The vast majority of his opportunities this season have come from the bench and that will only do so much for a player's development. United are planning to send two first-team wingers out on loan next season, one of whom is Facundo Pellistri, and it would make sense for Elanga to be the other, particularly if Ten Hag is going to take Amad under his wing.
Elanga risks falling even further down the pecking order at Old Trafford if he sticks around next season, meaning a season-long loan spell elsewhere could be the recipe for getting his career back on track after a season of stagnation. He is a regular in the Sweden squad and deserves first-team football on a regular basis, as there is certainly a talented player in there somewhere.
Whether it be lower down the Premier League ladder, in the Championship or overseas, United need to find a temporary home for the 21-year-old this summer one way or another. As Amad has proven this term, a loan spell, featuring regular game time, can be the making of a young player with a point to prove.
Elanga, having chalked up north of 50 United appearances, will not be content with a bit-part role again next season. He will be chomping at the bit to store regular minutes under his belt.
A loan move, offering him the chance to show off his potential and put an underwhelming campaign behind him, could be just what he needs.
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