JUST IN — Sunderland Star on Verge of Emotional Stadium of Light Homecoming Following Talks with Black Cats

Amad set for emotional Sunderland return as Régis Le Bris teases transfer plea

Amad will step out at the Stadium of Light on Saturday for the first time since his memorable loan spell with Sunderland during the 2022/23 season.

Ahead of the clash, Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has playfully told the Manchester United winger that he would be more than welcome to return to the club on a permanent basis – if he wants guaranteed playing time.

Amad remains a firm favourite on Wearside after a series of dazzling displays under Tony Mowbray, which helped him break into United’s first-team plans. However, he hasn’t always been a regular starter for the Red Devils.

Sunderland have tried on several occasions to bring Amad back since his loan ended, though none of those attempts ever looked likely to succeed. Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Le Bris praised Amad’s “excellent” ability and, with a smile, made it clear the door on Wearside will always be open.

“He’s a good winger – creative, an excellent footballer, with the ability to threaten the final third,” Le Bris said. “He has everything to be a strong winger.

The competition at Manchester United is high, so he probably doesn’t play as much as he’d like. If he wants to play with us, why not? We’d be happy – but probably not on Saturday.”

Le Bris and his Sunderland side face a tough test against Michael Carrick’s Manchester United, who won the reverse fixture comfortably under Ruben Amorim. Since Carrick took over as interim boss, they have gone from strength to strength and look set to finish third, securing Champions League football for next season.

Le Bris admitted the earlier meeting was a valuable lesson for his players, and they know what to expect.

“That was a strong experience, really useful for the games that followed,” he said. “It showed that if you’re not ready in even a small part of the game, the opponent can damage your defence very easily. They have many strong players who can score from any position or phase.

We know they’re a good team, very strong, so we need to show the best version of Sunderland. The first part is being disciplined and well connected as a team – industrious and hard-working.

On the other side, we also need to be bold and creative. If you don’t disturb the opponent, they’ll stay in their comfort zone, and we can’t afford that if we want to compete.

“The structure is a bit different now, but I think it’s about momentum, confidence, and freedom. They’ve likely achieved their target of Champions League qualification, and they still have top-level players.

Their confidence is probably very different now. Momentum can shift in ways you don’t always expect, but it has, and now we’re facing a very strong team.”

Amad and Tony Mowbray share emotional exchange ahead of Stadium of Light return

Amad has spoken of his delight at Sunderland’s successful season as he prepares to return to the Stadium of Light this weekend. The Manchester United forward will play on Wearside for the first time since his standout loan spell in 2022/23, when his brilliant individual performances during the team’s play-off push made him a fan favourite. That loan helped Amad earn regular senior minutes at United, and he’ll be involved on Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Amad said he has only fond memories and remains a devoted fan of the club.

“Tony Mowbray was like a dad and a manager to me – we had such a good relationship,” Amad said. “I really enjoyed my time at Sunderland. Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about the club. Everything is positive. Now I’m one of their big fans – I watch every game they play. I’m so happy with what they’ve done this season.”

Sky Sports surprised Amad with a special video message from Tony Mowbray, who told the winger he has been closely following 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. From the first day at Sunderland, I could see your talent and the amazing things you can do with the ball.

You’ve taken that into your career. Just wanted to wish you all the best. Keep going, keep doing what you do best, love the game like I know you do. Good luck, pal.”

Amad replied: “I’m emotional. He gave me a lot of confidence. In the days after I arrived at the club, he gave me the keys to shine. He gave me everything, and I’m so grateful to him.”

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