Since Ruben Amorim took charge of Manchester United in mid-November, his opening 11 games at the helm have yielded 17 goals.

Of those 17 efforts that have found the back of the net, Amad has had a direct hand in seven of them, scoring two and creating five. He has been the biggest winner of Amorim's appointment thus far, starting eight times.

A livewire towards the end of last season and throughout pre-season, it finally appeared as though the Ivorian was going to be granted the breakthrough moment by Erik ten Hag that he had long since been worthy of.

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However, he found himself in and out of the team as Ten Hag's tenure approached its climax. Amorim, though, has seen the light with the 22-year-old and given him the game time he deserves.

Amad wrote his name into United folklore with his derby day winner at the Etihad Stadium last month but he has offered much more than just the goal that secured the Reds their last victory.

He assisted the first goal of the Amorim era away at Ipswich Town, was key in the 4-0 rout of Everton, creating two goals, and scored United's second against Tottenham Hotspur as they threatened to wipe out the three-goal advantage the home side had created.

Playing a direct hand 41.2 per cent of the goals United have scored since Amorim picked up the baton from former interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amad has established himself as one of the club's most important players. He has benefitted from Amorim's decision to change United's shape from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3.

Although he has started the last four league matches as one of the No.10s in the front-three, Amad has produced the best of his football when deployed as the right wing-back. Four of his seven goal contributions have come from that starting position.

Wing-backs are fundamental to Amorim's system; he requires them to provide the width and contribute both defensively and offensively, making them absolutely vital.

Many United supporters and journalists alike believe signing a left-sided wing-back should be the club's priority in this month's transfer window in the event of funds for reinforcements becoming available. United do not currently have a natural fit for the left wing-back role.

Amad, however, just as his performances under Amorim have so far proven, has demonstrated he is a suitable fit on the right, and Amorim hinted ahead of the defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night that he can envision him being a long-term option in that position.

"I think Amad, in that position [right wing-back], he could be an option, but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front," said Amorim.

If Amorim does indeed plan to use Amad as the right wing-back for the long haul, United to ensure they keep hold of him. His contract is up at the end of this season and United are yet to tie him down to an extended deal.

United do have the safety net of being able to activate a one-year option to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026, and Amorim said last month United "will find a solution" to extend the Ivorian's stay. However, the fact that option is yet to have been activated means the former Sunderland loanee, having now entered the final six months of his existing deal, can now talk to overseas clubs and sign a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer.

Amad's stock is currently rising and clubs in a better position than United would be within their rights to express interest in the former Atalanta man. He has improved considerably in recent months and his potential is exciting.

Fortunately for United, Amad has made no secret of his eagerness to stay at Old Trafford and sign a new deal. He is enjoying life under Amorim and his recent form makes it easy to understand why.

With both his stock and his importance to Amorim's system increasing, United need to get him tied down. By doing so they may not make a better signing this month.