Manchester United loanee Amad says he has bulked up significantly since he first joined under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The 20-year-old is out on loan at Sunderland in the Championship, looking to help Tony Mowbray’s side get promoted back to the Premier League.
Amad has done an interview with club media during the international break where he has talked about his development in the north east.
His loan spell last season at Rangers did not go to plan but he has found a home at the Stadium of Light and has realised the changes he needed to make to meet the demands of English football.
Amad has been hitting the gym to meet demands of English football
“When I arrived at Manchester United, I was a bit thin. But, yes, now I do lots in the gym, even when I’m at home and I haven’t much to do.
“I think that it is needed for playing here in England because you need to do everything you can to be able to react to playing in this league.
“We’ve faced many teams in the Championship that had very physical players but I think the game doesn’t always depend on the physicality because I think, if you have the technical ability and if you have the ability to play fast, your physicality is less important.
“But yes, like I said before, it is important to have muscles to play against defenders. However, if you are intelligent players that can make the difference, then it’s needed less.”
Amad did not say either way whether he wants to go out on loan again next season or stay and fight for a place at United.
He is in an interesting position, because United are actually not blessed with tonnes of players who can play on the right wing and offer balance.
In theory, he could offer the same as Antony, cutting in from that right hand side onto his left foot, if the season in the Championship has got him to the level required.
On the other hand, a Premier League loan may be required to bridge the gap, and it remains to be seen what Erik ten Hag’s plans for him are.