Sunderland respond to Erik ten Hag's decision on Manchester United youngster Amad

Sunderland manager Michael Beale said Manchester United gave the impression they 'really value' Amad when his club enquired about taking the winger on loan again.

Amad enjoyed an excellent season on loan with Sunderland last term, contributing 14 goals and four assists as the Black Cats secured a Championship play-off place.

United staff believed Amad needed a run of consistent games to prove himself and he did that by improving his output in the final third and becoming a Sunderland fan favourite.

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Amad travelled on United's pre-season tour of the USA, which was an opportunity to audition for a first-team place, but disaster struck in New York when he sustained a knee injury.

The youngsters returned to a matchday squad for the first since since that injury against Nottingham Forest last month and the decision has been taken not to send him on loan.

Sunderland were interested in re-signing Amad on a temporary deal and Beale was asked about the situation at his latest press conference.“We’ve made it really clear to them that we would be in there but they [United] really value him as well," he said.

"He could have an interest in-house maybe during the second half of the season but if he goes out on loan, I can assure you, they are well aware we would want it to come back here."

Beale was asked whether he was confident Sunderland could have signed Amad if he'd been allowed to leave on loan and replied: “Yes. Putting finances aside – because that’s the big thing – I know he loved his time here, the fans loved him and he was well loved in the changing room.

"When I came here, it was something that if it