Manchester United now regard Amad as one of their more integral squad members for the future.

United manager Erik ten Hag started Antony and Omari Forson ahead of Amad until he made his first United start in more than two years in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on May 12.

Amad, 21, scored in United’s 3-2 victory over Newcastle three days later, having been primarily used as an impact sub following his return from a knee injury in December.

Forson has left United for Italian side Monza while Antony endured a dismal season. It is understood United now bracket Amad with Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund as youngsters to spearhead their next side.

Ivory Coast winger Amad missed the first five months of last season after sustaining a knee injury in the 2-0 pre-season win against Arsenal in New Jersey in July.

In his nine substitute appearances before starting against Arsenal, Amad was introduced with United either drawing or losing. He gained cult status with his heart-stopping 121st-minute FA Cup quarter-final winner against Liverpool in March.

United signed Amad from Atalanta on transfer deadline day in October 2020 for a fee rising to £37million. He only started three games in heavily-rotated sides in his first three years at the club as United loaned Amad to Rangers in January 2022 and Sunderland for the 20222-23 season.

Amad scored 14 goals in 42 games for the Championship side but returned to an uncertain future at United as Ten Hag mulled over whether to keep him or Facundo Pellistri. Amad’s pre-season injury prevented either winger from leaving in the summer.

United allowed Pellistri to join Granada on loan in January as Amad was fully fit and he was named in 22 out of 22 matchday squads.

Amad is under contract until next year but United have the option of an additional year.