Sunderland forward Amad has hinted he could be set for a return from injury, amid rumours linking him with a January loan move back to Sunderland.
The Ivorian starred for the Black Cats during a season-long loan last term, helping Tony Mowbray’s men reach the Championship play-offs before losing to promotion-winners Luton Town. He returned to Old Trafford in the summer with manager Erik ten Hag keen to involve him in his pre-season plans.
However, the 21-year-old suffered a knee injury against Arsenal during pre-season, meaning he was not able to push for a place in the Manchester United first-team, nor leave for another loan spell. He could be set for a return to action soon, though, and he has posted photographs of him in the gym during his recovery process. Amad posted a picture of him on Instagram in Manchester United gear with the caption: “Just a little longer before returning”.
Amad is set to join up with the Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations in the new year, but will want to prove his fitness first. And his return could come at an ideal time to earn a loan move for the second half of the season. Sunderland are reportedly keen to bring him back to the Stadium of Light, but much depends on whether ten Hag wants to keep him in his squad.
The Red Devils have already seen Jadon Sancho exiled from first-team training amid his public fallout with the Manchester United boss, meaning opportunities have opened up on the right wing.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray would love to work with Amad again next season, having praised his quality repeatedly over the course of the season. Amad cost Manchester United £35m when he joined from Italian Serie A side Atalanta in January 2021 and that fee, and also his wages, mean that a permanent move to Sunderland is simply not an option.
The player himself is thought to favour a return to Sunderland – should he leave Old Trafford in January on a temporary deal – although he is also keen to establsh himself in the Manchester United squad.
