Change of direction, Manchester United could have a different direction

Amad was the last Manchester United player to leave the pitch at the end of their warm-up on Sunday. He ended it by scooping the ball over kit man Alec Wylie. Rather than let the time-served kit man fetch the ball, Amad politely jogged to retrieve it himself. It is not the only endearing trait of a player United supporters would like to see more of.

Antony makes a promise after scoring his first goal that excites Man United

The glimpse of Amad at Nottingham Forest last month was one of the few positives for United in defeat. Amad was unwell for the next two games against Wigan Athletic and Tottenham. That he did not even cameo at Rodney Parade was a disappointment. Antony was an undeserving starter though he at least contributed a first assist since May and a first goal since April. Some would argue he has found his level against a League Two team.

Amad's level is still unclear. He is fondly remembered by Sunderland fans after his season-long loan on Wearside but his probing performance at the City Ground was his first in b colours for more than two years. On Thursday, Amad returns to Molineux, the scene of his last b start in May 2021. It is one of only two times Amad has walked out and onto the pitch to hear the Premier League anthem and the first was the week before against Leicester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer selected heavily-rotated teams in both games as United prioritised the Europa League final. Amad has not started a meaningful game for United as the third and last was a Champions League group stage dead-rubber against Young Boys in December 2021. A fourth start at Wolves is unforeseeable. In his 94th match as United manager, Erik ten Hag could play his strongest side. Ten of the starters seem certain and the only uncertainty is over Marcus Rashford.

Kobbie Mainoo reacts to his first goal for Man United and the fans applaud him

The constant changes

If Rashford is dropped, then Antony will continue. Amad is at least assured of matchday involvement with United's attack so light. It could be lighter if Facundo Pellistri finalises a protracted loan move to Granada before Thursday night's transfer deadline. That would rule the Uruguayan out of being involved against Wolves. Amad will have been on United's books for four years come the summer and so will Pellistri. At least one has to leave permanently and Pellistri, having already experienced two loan spells with Alaves, is warming up for sunnier climes if he secures a protracted return to La Liga. Pellistri marked some of his cameos with profound contributions, most memorably for Bruno Fernandes's late winner at Fulham in November. That game-changing role now has to be assumed by Amad.