Manchester United have reportedly slapped a £62million price tag on Marcus Rashford, with the club open to selling the homegrown star in the next two transfer windows. The Red Devils No. 10’s uncertain future has sparked speculation about who Ruben Amorim could target to replace him at Old Trafford.
Viktor Gyokeres is the obvious candidate. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a popular pick. How does Victor Osimhen sound?
But Amorim could already have Rashford’s long-term successor within his ranks – fan-favourite forward Amad.
The 22-year-old winger has transitioned into a right-wing-back since Amorim arrived and installed his 3-4-3 system.
His stock is only rising. Only Bukayo Saka and Mohamed Salah’s Premier League assist tallies are superior to Amad’s total of six this season. It’s only Saka when you consider the per 90 minutes metric.
But he’s a natural forward, and many expect him to move up into one of United’s two attacking midfield roles once Amorim bolsters his wing-back options in the transfer window.
If Rashford were to depart M16, a space would be vacated for Amad to move up the pitch.
That would, in hand, afford more of the budget to go towards other areas of a squad in dire need of widespread upgrades.
Amad has been United’s most impressive outfield player for a sustained period, intensifying concerns over the fact he is out of contract at the end of the season.
But Amorim is confident the Ivory Coast international will commit his future to his project, which suggests he has made his importance clear just as much privately as he has in public.
“I think he wants to stay, and we want him to stay,” stated Amorim. “So that is clear, and we will find a solution.”
The Portuguese tactician added: “I think that’s [his versatility’s] one of the great advantages of Amad.
“He’s very good for me. He’s very good playing in that position, but also playing between the lines, because he has a good control.
“And he seems faster with the ball than without the ball, so it’s something that he has, and he’s capable of playing in both positions, and he can play in different systems.
“So, in the future, we will play in a different system, maybe. So he is that kind of player that we need in the team.”
Whether it’s at wing-back or in a more advanced area of the pitch, Amad will have a place in Amorim’s team as long as he continues to shine.
