A different future, Manchester United has an opportunity to change its destiny

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.

A sincere apology, an old derby anecdote comes to light and is finally clarified

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 United colours for more than two years. On Thursday, Amad returns to Molineux, the scene of his last Premier League 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.

While Rashford was fined at Man United, Antony’s lesson in commitment

Guaranteed opportunity

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.