Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has praised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s work with young winger Amad to date.
The 18-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford in January after the club agreed a move from Atalanta last summer, is waiting on his first start in the senior side.
Although he cost a small fortune (£37m, as per Goal), United have only handed the Ivorian four substitute appearances but he was always one for the future. That’s why he immediately got a run of games with the U23s to learn the ins and outs of the English game before making the grade.
It wouldn’t surprise us if Amad made his full debut in Thursday night’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Granada.
Sharpe is excited to see what he can bring to the team in the future.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Sharpe said: “I think he’s got huge ability. A very young lad, and he looks quite tiny to be fair, so I’d be a little bit concerned with the physicality of the Premier League with him first game in.
“But I think given time around the training and the first team I think he’ll be another good option.
“I haven’t seen a lot of him, but I know he’s got loads of ability, goes past people and scores goals.
“A training session is pretty much like a matchday, so he’ll be getting kicked and shoved around a little bit, so he’ll have to learn to stand up for himself and look after himself, so the manager will know that and he’ll know that. I’m sure it won’t be long before he gets his chance. To join a team like United is a big ask, but I’m sure he’s getting well looked after by the manager and the staff.”
I don’t think Amad is quite ready for league games either, but hopefully we can go on to progress in the Europa League and secure second place quickly, with Leicester City slipping off the pace a little. That might allow Amad get more game time and a first real taste of top-flight football in England.
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