Manchester United’s start to the season looks a bit better now after their 3-0 win vs Southampton but the picture wasn’t as easy coming into the game.
However, one player who, even before that game, had emerged from the rubble with his reputation enhanced was Amad.
His star kept rising vs Southampton, ending the game as probably the best player on the pitch, something which is becoming increasingly common for him.
In fact, the one game he was dropped for, Liverpool, was the one where United looked toothless ina attack and improved as soon as he came on.
To mark his breakout season, Manchester United have taken a big step to reaffirm their faith in him.
Manchester United make Amad decision
Ineos have made a clear effort to be more decisive in their squad-building efforts, whether that is selling players who don’t have a future, or tying up players who do.
Bruno Fernandes’ extension was a big example of the latter, since his contract had some time to run but he was still given an extension and possibly a pay rise.
Looking through that lens, the latest decision from United for Amad is a big statement of confidence from the club.
Manchester Evening News reports that the club is set to offer the Ivorian a new long-term contract over the coming months.
His current deal expires next summer, but United retain the option to extend it by a year which they are expected to take up.
However, he will still be offered a new deal to reflect his new status as a bonafide first-team player finally making good on his potential.
A building block
Amad has quickly established himself as a building block in a developing young core of the next great United side.
Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund have now made their hoarding picture famous but that trinity might well age as a quartet.
Amad was widely expected to break through last season but injury worries kept him out for a while as fans were frustrated with Antony’s displays.
Near the end of the season, the player showed the promise to achieve bigger and better things, most memorably scoring United’s winner in the 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.
He has never looked back since, starting seven of United’s last nine games and after Southampton, probably untouchable status in the Manchester United squad.
Therefore, a new contract is just reward for the player who arrived as a highly exciting, if unproven project and has had to do it the hard way of establishing himself in the first team.
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