Manchester United are on the search for a new manager after sacking Ruben Amorim last week.
Ruben Amorim waves to the crowd.
Ruben Amorim was sacked as Manchester United's manager this week.(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Manchester United star Amad has spoken out about the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, describing the Portuguese as like a father to him.
Amorim was sacked by United at the start of last week. That call was made following an explosive post-match press conference after last weekend's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Amad was one of the standout players under Amorim. The wideman is currently on international duty with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
As he prepares for his team's quarter-final against Egypt on Saturday (7pm), he's outlined his views on Amorim leaving the club, and has revealed the message that he has sent to his former manager.
"It was a tough topic," he said, via BeIN Sport. "I was a bit sad, because he's the coach who gave me more visibility and more opportunities to play for Manchester United.
"I was very sad. I even sent him a message to thank him for everything he did for me, both in my life and especially in my career.
Ruben Amorim embraces with Amad.
Amad has spoken about his relationship with Ruben Amorim.(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"I wished him good luck wherever he goes. It was a difficult moment for me, but I'm really focused on Ivory Coast and on this competition. I want to finish well here and try to win this AFCON.
"We had a very good relationship, almost like a father-and-son relationship. He understood me, and gave me a lot of advice, and let me play freely.
"It's very unfortunate, but that's life. You have to adapt, that's football.
"I wish him all the best in life and his next club. My focus is Ivory Coast. I have to give everything for the country."
His involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations has seen Amad miss the last five Premier League games. He will, also, be unavailable for this weekend's third round FA Cup clash against Brighton.
Should the Ivory Coast beat Egypt in their quarter-final showdown, it means that Amad would be unavailable for next weekend's Premier League match against Manchester City, due to his involvement in either the final or third-placed play-off. However, if they lose against Egypt, then Amad will be back in time for the Manchester derby.
United have already been handed a boost ahead of that match-up - with Cameroon's defeat against Morocco meaning that Bryan Mbeumo will be back in time for the game next weekend. It does, however, mean that full-back Noussair Mazraoui will be unavailable, with the defender representing Morocco in the semi-final.