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There will undoubtedly be those of a Manchester United persuasion wishing that the club’s CAN stars undergo a rapid exit from the competition, with Ruben AmorimThe team looks exhausted without Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad appeal.
Unfortunately, this trio is simply too good to compete in a disastrous tournament, with Amad, in particular, already leading the charge for Ivory Coast.
Indeed, the 23-year-old has scored a goal each in his side’s first two matches, the second of which saw him head home in stunning fashion in the 1-1 draw against Mbeumo’s Cameroon last time out.
The remarkable solo strike once again highlighted the winger’s rise from teenage prodigy to bona fide world beater, with United having reaped the rewards of their initial £19 million investment in a little-known 18-year-old in 2020.
Perhaps, if reports are to be believed, INEOS can now repeat the trick by 2026.
Man Utd among favorites to sign next Amad
Originally signed in October 2020, before arriving in Manchester a few months later, Amad had to bide his time at Old Trafford, going through loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland, while having to force his way into a peripheral role under Erik ten Hag.
Since Amorim’s appointment just over a year ago, the diminutive left-hander has been a man in charge, racking up 21 goals and assists in just 43 games under the Portuguese.
With the ex-Atalanta starlet a fixture on the right flank, whether as a number ten, outright winger or wing-back, United were thought to be looking for a similar figure on the opposite side, although Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo was apparently missing.
However, alternatives seem to be considered. with Caught Offside report that the Red Devils – and Arsenal – are among the clubs to have carried out “first checks” on Hoffenheim teenager Bazoumana Touré.
According to the report, the two Premier League rivals are expected to be at the front of the queue for the 19-year-old’s signature, although a summer transfer appears more likely than a mid-season switch.
The Bundesliga side are not looking to sanction a sale next month, although they appear to have valued his head at around €45 million.
Why Touré could be Man Utd’s next Amad
Currently part of the Ivory Coast AFCON squad, the one-cap international could also partner Amad at club level if United are to confirm their interest, with Toure’s recent form in Germany underlining why he would be worth the gamble.
Comfortable on both flanks, although he generally plays on the left, the teenager has been hailed as “one of the most exciting young wingers in European football” by journalist Kendin Bocsakwho also compared him to a “young Sadio Mané”.
Such praise is undoubtedly justified given his impact in the Bundesliga in 2025, racking up ten goals and assists in just 29 games for his new club, since arriving from Hammerby earlier this year.
This includes a return of two goals and five assists already in 14 league matches this season, with only five players in the division having bettered that assist total in Germany’s top division, according to Transfermarkt.
Left-handed, like Amad, the resemblance to his compatriot is also seen in his remarkable pace and hard work ethic, all traits which have been highlighted by the official website of the Bundesliga:
Touré has “…blazing speed, a tendency for early crosses, a penchant for dribbling and a herculean work rate”.
Also a natural ball carrier, the teenager – who has scored nine times in just 23 games in Sweden – notably ranks in the top 12% of Bundesliga wingers for progressive carries (4.57 per 90), according to FBref, as well as in the top 10% for successful recoveries (1.99).
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Touré vs Amad – 25/26 League statistics |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (*per match) |
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|
Games |
14 |
15 |
|
Begin |
14 |
14 |
|
Goals |
2 |
2 |
|
Aids |
5 |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
4 |
4 |
|
Key passes* |
1.4 |
1.9 |
|
Success accuracy* |
76% |
87% |
|
Successful dribbles* |
1.7 |
1.4 |
|
Balloons recovered* |
4.6 |
4.0 |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
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For comparison, in the Premier League, Amad averages 5.37 and 1.57 for those same two metrics, respectively, having proven to be such a dribbling threat in his own right under Amorim.
The beauty of Touré is also that his defensive work also allows him to slot in on the wing back if necessary, having also ranked in the top 2% of aerial duels won per 90 this season.
The prospect of having the explosive talent on one side, with Amad on the other, is certainly tantalizing for those in Manchester, with all signings indicating the Hoffenheim man is worth the £39m investment.
