Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick is well aware of the talent Manchester United loanee Amad possesses.
The former Red Devils and England midfielder was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant manager when the young Ivorian was signed by the Reds from Serie A side Atalanta in October 2020, in a deal which could reach £37.2m.
Having only played for the Reds first team three times and endured a frustrating loan spell with Rangers last season, the 20-year-old is thriving during a season-long loan spell with Sunderland.
The four-time Ivory Coast international won the Vertu Motors PFA Fans’ Player of the Month Award in the Sky Bet Championship for December 2022 having scored three times for the Black Cats during the course of the month
Michael Carrick names four qualities that “terrific” Manchester United loanee Amad possesses
United and Sunderland’s number 16 has scored six goals and provided one assist from his 20 appearances under Tony Mowbray.
Carrick’s Boro travel to the Stadium of Light tomorrow to take on Amad’s Sunderland and the Red Devils former caretaker manager is well aware of the threat the talented and tricky winger poses.
Carrick believes the young Ivorian has “jumped up a level” since arriving on Wearside.
But the Premier League and Champions League winner is hoping his knowledge of Amad helps nullify the threat the youngster will no doubt bring to his side’s chances of winning tomorrow’s clash.
Speaking via The Northern Echo, Carrick said: “I know Amad very well from United. He’s a terrific footballer and seems to have jumped up a level again from the start of the season. His performances have improved and he is a threat.
“He’s a talented player, really smooth on the ball and has a lovely feel for how he takes the ball. He’s sharp, and he sees space very well.
“Obviously I know him and have watched him very closely. He’s not easy to stop because he’s one of the better players, but that’s the challenge we face.
“We face different challenges and little scenarios every week, but we’ll do our work to be ready.”
