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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Andrew Dowdeswell

Dan James says Amad is "unbelievable in training" at Manchester United

Daniel James is hugely impressed with the "unbelievable" Amad, who arrived at Manchester United in a £37million move in January.

United wrapped up the deal for the 18-year-old in October, but he could not be officially unveiled until the January transfer window opened.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been cautious in getting Amad into the first team, handing the former Atalanta winger his debut from off the bench in the first-leg victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League Round of 32 last week.

However, the winger has impressed Solskjaer, the United coaching staff, and the current players in training and is viewed as a future star at the club.

Manchester United train ahead of Europa League second-leg against Real Sociedad

James, who scored in the Sociedad victory and celebrated with Amad afterwards, heralded the youngster's ability, professionalism, and willingness to work hard out of possession.

" Amad has come in and, as a young lad, he’s been unbelievable in training," he told The United Review.

"I mean his professionalism [is very good] and he’s settled in straight away, I’d say, do you know what I mean?

"We see his quality in training, he has unbelievable feet, but we’ve seen he also presses well and wins the ball back, which is exactly what we want."

It had been thought that Amad could feature from the start in the second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday.

However, in his pre-match press conference, Solskjaer admitted that that would not happen.

Asked if Amad and Shola Shoretire, another young prospect who made his first-team debut in the weekend win over Newcastle United, could start in the second leg, Solskjaer said: "Probably not, Shola and Amad, no. I'm not sure that would be fair on them, they'll be in the squad."

Following his debut last week, Solskjaer said that Amad is getting closer to gaining more playing time.

"He's getting closer and closer to his minutes by the day," Solskjaer told BT Sport.

"That is why we felt towards the end when we were 3-0 up to go and let him enjoy his first 10 minutes for the club."

Solskjaer has also spoken extremely positive about Amad, just as James did.

Upon his arrival, the United boss said: "As a club, we have followed Amad for a number of years.

"And, having watched him myself, I believe he is one of the most exciting young prospects in the game.

"Manchester United has such a proud history of developing young players and everything is in place to enable Amad to reach his potential here.

"It will take time for him to adapt, but his speed, vision and fantastic dribbling ability will stand him in good stead to make the transition.

"He is a player with all of the raw attributes that are needed to be an important player for Manchester United in the years to come."

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