Amad’s impressive Sunderland turnaround continued as he condemned his former coach Michael Carrick to defeat,
The Manchester United legend had the inside track on the forward, having worked closely together during Carrick’s time on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s staff. Amad was a big money signing under Solskjaer, arriving for £37million in January 2021.
He ultimately didn’t get the minutes needed to shine under the ex-United manager and was allowed to join Rangers on loan at the start of last season. Amad struggled with the Glasgow giants and was shipped off again by Erik ten Hag, signing for Sunderland on a season-long loan.
And after an inconsistent start which saw him dropped to the Under-21s, he is now showing exactly why United splashed out the kind of fee they did to sign him. His goal during Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light was the 20-year-old’s seventh of the season.
Amad’s latest strike stopped Carrick’s charges in their tracks and denied them the chance of a fifth Championship win on the spin. The Player of the Match display won’t have been a surprise to the former United caretaker though, who was full of praise for the loanee before the derby.
"Sunderland are a very good team and have a very good forward line," Carrick explained. "I know Amad very well from United. He's a terrific footballer and seems to have jumped up a level again from the start of the season.
"His performances have improved and he is a threat. Not just Amad though, right across the frontline Sunderland have really good individuals who can change games at any moment and cause you problems.
"That's why they're up there at the moment and they are a danger. That's a challenge, of course, but it's one we're ready for and we’re looking forward to the game."
Amad missed a glaring chance in the first half, before Boro were reduced to 10 men in the second half. Ross Stewart put the Mackems in front before the brilliant United star put the game beyond Carrick’s side.
Carrick admitted his side would try to pay personal attention to Amad, suggesting that while competitive minutes were lacking, he did catch the eye at United’s Carrington training base.
“He's a talented player, really smooth on the ball and has a lovely feel for how he takes the ball. He's sharp, has injection and he sees space very well,” he added.
"Obviously I know him and have watched him very closely. He's not easy to stop because he's one of the better players, but that's the challenge we face. We face different challenges and little scenarios every week, but we'll do our work to be ready."
The win leaves Amad’s current side just a point outside of the Championship play-offs with Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman picking him as the standout player in the game.
He said: “What a threat he’s been and didn’t let that miss get him down. He ultimately scored the defining goal that allowed Sunderland to enjoy the last 10 minutes. He’s been brilliant.”
