Former first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has said he sees shades of Ryan Giggs in in-form Manchester United star Amad.

The Ivorian, whose contract is up at the end of the season, has been one of United's best players so far this season, scoring three goals and registering five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

He has so far blossomed under new head coach Ruben Amorim, quickly adapting to the role of a right-sided wing-back. He has provided three assists from two starts in his new position.

READ MORE: United face familiar situation in January transfer window

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim hints he is close to deciding United's best XI

Amad was often overlooked by Amorim's predecessor, Erik ten Hag, much to the bemusement of United's supporters, who regularly urged the Dutchman to give the former Sunderland loanee a meaningful opportunity to prove his worth.

Already thriving in Amorim's new-look system, former United coach Meulensteen has likened the 22-year-old, who will be hoping to be recalled to the starting XI for United's clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday etatime, to Reds great Giggs.

"Amad Diallo could be a long-term star for Ruben Amorim," Meulensteen told OLBG. "I've been really impressed with him so far and I'm sure he's impressed the manager in the wing-back position.

"He is quick, direct and brave. He can score, create and he can definitely have an impact in the long-term. I can see comparisons to Ryan Giggs in Amad. The way he picks up the ball and runs with it, I can see it in their balance.

"He's also impressed in the way he has adapted to the wing-back role, but we'll have to see how he gets on in the defensive side against opposition with more attacking prowess."

Despite being a winger by trade, Amad has quickly adapted to the role of a wing-back.

Meulensteen added: "Antony plays in a similar position but I can't see him doing that job, he wouldn't have the discipline. Amad on the other hand, he's taken it in his stride."