Sunderland have made a number of attempts to bring Amad back to the club since that initial loan spell, though never with any clear prospect of success. Le Bris hailed Amad’s ‘excellent’ quality ahead of Saturday’s game and with a wry smile, made clear the door will always remain open for him on Wearside.

“Good winger – he’s creative, excellent footballer, and with this ability to threaten the final third,” Le Bris said.

“So he has everything to be a strong winger. After that, the competition in Manchester United is high so he probably doesn’t play as much as he would like to. If he wants to play with us, why not? We’ll be happy! But probably not on Saturday.”

Le Bris and his Sunderland side face a stern test against Michael Carrick’s side, who ran out comfortable winners in the reverse fixture under Ruben Amorim. They have since gone from strength to strength during Carrick’s spell as interim boss, and look set to secure a third-place finish and Champions League football for next season.

Le Bris says the reverse fixture was a strong early lesson for his players and that they know a tough test awaits them.

“It was a strong experience, really useful for the games after that because it means that when you are not ready in just a small part of the game, the opponent can damage your defence really easily,” Le Bris said.

“They have many strong players with the ability to score from every position, every phase. We know that it’s a good team and they’re really strong, so we have to show the best version of Sunderland. The first part is to be really disciplined, to be really well connected as a team, an industrious approach, a hard worker. On the other side, it’s going to be key as well to be bold and creative because if you don’t disturb the opponent, they will play in their comfort zone and I don’t think we can play like that if we want to be competitive.

“The structure is a bit different, but I think it’s about momentum, confidence, freedom now because they probably reached their target to be in the Champions League at the end of the season. And they still have good players, top level players. So probably the confidence is totally different. And sometimes the momentum can shift and you don’t really know why, how, when, but it happened and now we will face a really strong team.”

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Amad and Tony Mowbray’s emotional exchange ahead of Stadium of Light return

Amad has opened up on his joy at Sunderland’s successful campaign as he prepares to return to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

The Manchester United forward is set to play on Wearside for the first time since his hugely successful loan spell in the 2022/23 campaign, when his outstanding individual performances as part of the team’s charge for the play-offs firmly established his reputation as a fan favourite. The loan helped Amad work his way into contention for regular senior minutes at Manchester United, and he will be involved this Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the game, Amad said he had only positive memories and said he remains a firm fan of the club.

“Tony Mowbray was like a dad and manager for me, we had such a good relationship,” Amad said.

“I really enjoyed my time in Sunderland honestly, I have nothing bad to say about the club. Everything I have to say is positive, now I’m one of their big fans because I watch every game when they play. I’m so happy for what they have done this season.”

Sky Sports surprised Amad with a special message from Tony Mowbray, who told the winger that he has been keeping a close eye on his progress.

“Hiya mate, just wanted to wish you well for this weekend going back to the Stadium of Light,” Mowbray said.

“I’ve been watching every game, watching you do amazingly well at United. I’m so pleased for you, first day at Sunderland I could see your talent and the amazing things you can do with the ball. You’ve taken that on in your career, just wanted to wish you all the very best. Keep going, keep doing what you best, love the game and that football like I know you do. Good luck pal.”

Amad responded: “I’m emotional, he gave me a lot of confidence.

“The days after I arrived in the club he gave me the keys to shine. He gave me everything and I’m so grateful to him.”

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