Man Utd are now interested in a £50m upgrade for Amad

With Nottingham Forest next on Manchester United's agenda, it's worth looking back at the previous meeting between the two clubs, as the visitors drew 2-2 at the City Ground.

After being let down early in the second half, then manager Ruben Amorim saw his embarrassment thwarted by Amad's brilliance on the afternoon, with the Ivory Coast gunner hitting a stunning volley from just outside the area.

Operating as a full-back in Amorim's 3-4-2-1, Amad has appeared to benefit greatly from that approach, notably signing up to assist Bryan Mbeumo at Anfield and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both sides of his spell at Nottingham.

Frustratingly, the 23-year-old has scored just one goal since then, and has yet to register a single goal or assist in 2026 so far at club level, enduring a dip in form following his return to the AFCON in January.

Talk of an exit next summer, amid interest from former club Sunderland, appears premature, although the dwindling talent could be looking over his shoulder if significant deals are struck by Old Trafford officials.

Man Utd are leading the race to sign the £50m Premier League star

Talk of a transfer business can now be intensified amid news that Michael Carrick is set to be handed the reins on a permanent basis, having been offered a two-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.

It remains to be seen whether there will be an official announcement before or during Sunday's meeting, although either way, settling on Carrick as Amorim's replacement should help United's trade, now reportedly targeting who they may play under next season.

The leading, both INEOS and English, are in the search in midfield, although, according to SportsBoom, the Red Devils may look to strengthen the attacking unit, among their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Mateus Mane.

According to reports, Forest manager Vitor Pereira, formerly of Wolves, wants to reunite with the 18-year-old this summer, although both United and Liverpool are also in the equation.

Indeed, it is said that the two rivals are actually the 'favourites' to sign the youngster, following the Old Gold's push into the Championship, with Rob Edwards set to cash in to spend those funds elsewhere.

As for what the asking price will actually be, £50m has previously been floated.

How did Mane compare to Amad this season in the Premier League

As noted above, Amad's emotional return to the Stadium of Light last weekend came amid talk he could make a permanent return to Wearside, having enjoyed a fruitful loan spell with the Black Cats in 2022/23.

Given that he only signed a new contract until 2030 last year, there should be no rush to dump the ex-Atalanta speedster, especially after scoring 21 goals and assists last season.

That said, Amad's status as a regular in the club could be at risk, especially if a talent like Mane joins the club, with United Man 2025/26's record of a poor 2025/26 so far.

In total, he has scored and assisted just four goals in the Premier League, while creating just five 'big chances' and missing six 'big chances', enduring a huge drop in his output.

Perhaps that is simply to do with confidence, or tired legs after the AFCON, or even a change in the dugout, although it doesn't look good that even young Mane has improved his return to the team that was relegated by Wolves.

Having started just 17 league games, Mane has scored and assisted three times so far, while Amad's tally of four has come with 25 starts in the top flight.

A bright light in a difficult season at Molineux, the in-demand talent was particularly impressive when United faced Wolves back in December, proving a real livewire in that 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

In total, he attempted six dribbles, won eight ground duels and completed 100% of crosses, and won five fouls as the hosts did not know how to handle him.

In the case of Amad, at the age of 18, he had just signed for Manchester, however it took him until 2023/24 to emerge as part of the first team furniture, although his greatest success came under Amorim the following year.

That Mane is already making waves at Premier League level is proof of why he could be an even bigger talent, and the interest in his services comes as no surprise as clubs look to pounce on Wolves' fortunes.

At the center of international contention, before choosing Portugal over England, he is a player with a “really high ceiling”, in the view of Edwards, confirming that he could be the first dream permanent signing for Carrick.