Ruben Amorim might be set to put his own stamp on Manchester United when he takes over later this month but one key decision could be made before he even arrives. The Portuguese boss will take charge for the first time on November 24, when the Red Devils go to Ipswich in the Premier League.
And the 39-year-old would no doubt have been an intrigued spectator on Thursday night when the club hosted PAOK in the Europa League.
Despite another underwhelming display, interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 2-0 win thanks to a second-half brace from the superb Amad.
The Ivorian-born forward was by far the standout performer, opening the scoring with a precise header just after the break. And just as the hosts seemed set for a nervy finale, he capped his display late on with a left-foot finish from outside the area.
In doing so, the 22-year-old issued a timely reminder to club chiefs having been left frustrated by a lack of game time under Erik ten Hag. His last-minute FA Cup winner against Liverpool last season initially seemed the platform for him to push on at Old Trafford, but he’s struggled for a place in the XI thus far in 2024/25.
And with his current deal set to expire next summer, INEOS are set to take immediate action. The Sun claim that Amad is set to be offered a new deal worth around £90,000-a-week, essentially tripling his current wages.
Amad joined United from Atalanta in January 2021 for an initial £19million fee, with the potential to rise to £37.2m. But prior to this season he’d made just 21 club appearances, having been sent on loan spells to Rangers and Sunderland.
But after his match-winning display against PAOK, he underlined his ambition to become a long-term success at Old Trafford. “I’m happy to be here,” he said. “I’m happy to play for this club, and I want to stay here for a long, long, long time to make history with this club.”
He also insisted the lack of game time under Ten Hag had not disheartened him. “I always try to do my best, even when I am not starting I am focused,” he added. “I am focused for now, for the future and to give my best for the shirt and get this team back on top again.”
Van Nistelrooy was also full of praise for his player, and said performances in training earned him selection in place of Marcus Rashford. His participation against Leicester on Sunday though, the Dutchman’s final match in temporary charge, appears in doubt.
Amad limped off in the closing minutes after picking up a knock on his ankle. He’s set to be assessed by medical staff before being made available for selection.
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