Man Utd winger Amad has been absent this season after picking up an injury before the opening game.
United pictured in Wroclaw in August.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
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It's not often that a player's stock increases without them playing a single minute, but that is the case with Amad this season.
Amad picked up a "niggle" in training on the eve of the opening game of the season against Hull, but the issue has been serious enough to keep him out of every Manchester United match so far.
Michael Carrick suggested Amad could return to face Tottenham this weekend, the first game back after the international break, which would be a significant boost as the 24-year-old is an important piece of the jigsaw up front, especially with question marks around Benjamin Sesko's shin injury.
Carrick has not disclosed the details on Sesko's injury, but United's medical team have their work cut out if the striker is indeed suffering from shin splints, which caused trouble for Andy Cole in the 1990s.
The nature of that injury is difficult to manage, as it can flare up unexpectedly, as demonstrated by Sesko returning to the sidelines despite believing the injury was behind him after missing pre-season to recover.
Sesko's injury has been assessed at Carrington again during the international break, meaning that, at least in the short term, Carrick could be without the only recognised centre-forward in his squad.
It will be a blow if Sesko is facing another stint on the sidelines, but Carrick has shown a preference for playing with a striker-less front three, even when the Slovenian has been available for selection.
Sesko has exclusively made substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with his two starts coming against Sabah in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Carrick's preferred attack has been Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, sparking a conversation among fans about whether he actually believes playing with a natural striker is the best option.
It worked to great effect for Carrick last season, and the attacking line can be more dynamic, fluid and pacy when Sesko is not playing, but this season's problem has been that Cunha has been chosen to play down the middle.
Cunha has not looked comfortable up front.(Image: 2026 Visionhaus)
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With Rashford having been integrated, Cunha has been moved from playing on the left to up front, with Mbeumo playing down the right, however, the Brazilian has looked like a square peg in a round hole in that position, which is why Amad's return from injury is important.
Mbeumo is more effective down the middle than Cunha, and he can play there when Amad is available, as the latter would start on the right, leaving a choice between Rashford and Cunha on the left.
It wasn't a coincidence that Cunha looked more dangerous when he moved to the left against Fulham before the break, which saw him cut inside and score an equaliser, albeit with a stroke of luck with a deflection.
The attack is better-balanced when Amad is fit. Cunha is happier on the left and Mbeumo is more of a threat down the middle. Everyone wins, so it will be great news if Amad has recovered in time to feature this weekend.
The timing of Amad's injury was unfortunate, as he looked primed for a strong campaign, brimming with confidence during the World Cup as he scored two superb goals for the Ivory Coast.
Amad looked like the 2024/2025 version of himself at the World Cup. It's easy to forget, but he reached double figures for goals and assists during that campaign and was United's most important player for much of it.
He scored a brilliant match-winner against Manchester City in December 2024, the equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield, and netted a sensational hat-trick in 10 minutes against Southampton.
Amad celebrates his hat-trick against Southampton in January 2025.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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He was in contention to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, but picked up an ankle injury during training which kept him out for three months, leaving the door ajar for Bruno Fernandes.
There's no getting away from the fact that Amad wasn't good enough last season, contributing just two goals and four assists across all competitions, but his performances over the summer suggested he would return to form for United when the new campaign began.
He will be itching to get back on the pitch after missing the first seven games, and his absence has been a reminder of how important he is to the team, both as an attacking outlet and as a diligent runner.
"I actually think he's playing well," said Carrick when he was asked about Amad's form earlier this year. "I think, yeah, numbers in terms of goals and assists.... I think there's an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team as he has, to worry about numbers.
"I think he gives the team so much. He's got so much talent, he's got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He has played different roles at times. I'm a big fan of Amad."
Carrick will be delighted when Amad is given the green light from the medical staff, which could be in time for Tottenham on Saturday.