The 39-year-old manager oversaw his first Premier League match at Old Trafford on Sunday, where his team delivered an outstanding 4-0 victory over Sean Dyche’s Everton. ..Continue Reading
While Marcus Rashford, 27, and Joshua Zirkzee, 23, stole the spotlight with two goals each, it was another player who caught Amorim’s attention.
Amad, 22, delivered a stellar performance against Everton, contributing two assists. One of his standout moments came when he dispossessed Jarrad Branthwaite, leading to Bruno Fernandes setting up Zirkzee’s first goal.
Following the match, Amorim spoke highly of the young winger’s impact on the game.
“He is really big in talent, but small in size,” Amorim said. “He did a great job but he also has to improve. He was really good again.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy helped him a lot in his games in charge, and now he’s helping me. He’s in a great moment, but that moment started with Ruud.
“So I just take advantage of Ruud’s work with Amad! He was really good defending and really good attacking, so he has to continue to play like that.
“You could feel it in the end of the game he was really, really tired, so we have to manage that and increase his physical ability.
“I’d like to take credit for [Amad’s pressing], but that’s him. He’s like that. He’s smart. He’s explosive.”
Amorim gave the 22-year-old starting roles in Premier League matches against Ipswich and Everton, while also introducing him as a substitute in last Thursday’s Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt.
The Ivorian, who signed with the club in January 2021, previously spent time on loan at Rangers and Sunderland before establishing himself as a consistent member of the first-team squad.
The player’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and according to The Telegraph, “the club do hold an option for a further season”, which fans will no doubt want to be triggered if his good form continues.
A “decision” will have to be made ahead of January. According to the report, “sources” have indicated that Amad’s contract renewal is a priority in the coming weeks.
Without an extension, he would be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs starting January 1, 2025.
The club has yet to confirm whether discussions are currently underway.
