Erik ten Hag stance on Amad’s transfer claim could impact future of two Man Utd attackers

Manchester United attacker Amad has admitted he would be willing to return to Sunderland on loan next season.

The 20-year-old has played a pivotal role for the Black Cats this season as they clinched a play-off spot in the Championship. Sunderland’s 3-0 victory over Preston North End on the final day of the season secured sixth place in the second tier, meaning they’ll play Luton Town over two legs in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Amad netted the first of the three goals at Deepdale to bring his individual tally up to 13 from 37 Championship games this season. The Ivory Coast attacker has been a revelation in the North-East and has relished playing regular first-team football, so much so that he would be interested in returning to the Stadium of Light next season.

“I enjoy playing for the fans because it gives us so much energy. Now we are focused for next year,” Amad said over the weekend. Asked whether he would like to come back in 2023/24, the youngster replied: “I hope maybe we go in the Premier League next season and maybe I come back, I don’t know.”

Amad’s admission poses a dilemma for United manager Erik ten Hag, who said in January that he wanted the former Atalanta man to remain at Sunderland as it was best for his development. “He is in a really good progress there. So I am happy with that,” explained the Dutchman.

“But I know they need experiences, young players. When he is with us, when we decide he comes back, he has to be a player who can compete for the starting XI or, at a minimum, to come into a lot of games and have an impact.”

ManchesterWorld understands that United plan to assess Amad this summer with the possibility of him playing a role at in the first team next season. He could also offer an extra option as a central striker, a position that has posed the Red Devils issues this season.

United have identified a striker as their priority in the summer window, with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen seen as the two leading candidates. Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Anthony Martial has been offered a lucrative deal in Saudi Arabia. The Frenchman is Ten Hag’s first-choice option up top at present, but the United boss has grown frustrated with his injury record and form, and is willing to sell Martial this summer.

With Marcus Rashford’s best position out wide, Wout Weghorst is the only other natural no.9 in the squad at present. The 30-year-old joined on loan from Burnley in January and the Manchester Evening News reported recently that United do not plan to sign him permanently, although the player has since stated he has discussed the possibility of remaining at Old Trafford next term.

“In those [talks] the club said they are very satisfied with me. It has absolutely not been communicated with me that Man United don’t want to continue with me,” Weghorst told the Times.

“They appreciate my value. They believe I am absolutely an asset for the team. Of course I have heard different things [in the media]. I have to wait and see what happens and focus on our goals in the league and cup competitions.”

With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Martial and Weghorst, a decision on what is best for Amad’s immediate future could have a huge bearing on the club’s transfer policy this summer.