Amad Diallo is proof that progress isn't linear.
It's no secret that Amad has emerged as one of Manchester United's outstanding performers this term.
From the outside looking in, the timing is just right. Marcus Rashford fell out of favour and similar questions are being asked of Alejandro Garnacho's future. That means Amad was always going to be the outstanding deputy for the positions in the wider areas. This opportunity was earned though and it was earned the hard way.
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Before it was match-winning hat-tricks against Southampton, winning goals at the Etihad or equalisers at Anfield, for Amad it was a cold and lonely time in Scotland.
When Amad completed his move to Old Trafford in January 2021, then-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dubbed him "one of the most exciting young prospects in the game". The 18-year-old had just left Atalanta in a deal worth around £37.2m with all add-ons.
The hefty fee meant that it was a deal many had turned their nose up at. The move was plunged under further scrutiny when after just nine appearances in the first team, Amad was deemed not ready for the toils of Premier League football.
At that time, United fans had caught a glimpse of his trickery, when he came off the bench to score a stunning header against AC Milan in the Europa League, but with further playing time limited, in January 2022 Amad was loaned to Rangers for the remainder of that season.
Amad's impact at Rangers was instant. It took just four minutes for him to score on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Ross County. However, despite the perfect start, the flashes in his debut proved to be his peak. Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Amad played a total of 502 minutes across 13 games, scoring three times in a forgettable spell at Ibrox.
A chastening 3-0 defeat against rivals Celtic, where Amad was hooked at the break, proved to be his last Rangers start for three months. He was, however, named in the starting eleven for Rangers' Scottish FA Cup final victory in March of that season. Gers also made the Europa League final that year, but Amad was an unused substitute for the duration of their campaign.
Ahead of United's clash against Rangers on Thursday, his former captain, James Tarvernier spoke of the 'learning curve' that hardened Amad in Scotland.
"I think it [his time in Scotland] would have taught him something. He's really progressed since then," Tavernier said when asked to reflect on his time as Amad's teammate.
"You obviously get tested in an Old Firm or you can go away to places where they've only got a few fans so it's a different learning curve.
Despite a tough spell and failing to make an impression across a six-month loan, Tavernier believes that Amad's talent spoke for itself.
"I was always convinced [he could reach the level he's at now]," he said.
"He showed really good signs at Rangers then he was in and out of the team. He had a really bright spell at Sunderland on loan and he's continued that at Man United.
"He's really showcasing his talent at the minute so he'll be a danger man we'll have to be aware of tomorrow because he's really on form. I'm looking forward to playing against him."
Becoming Man Utd's face of the future
There are very few certainties at Old Trafford but a turbulent start to Amorim's United tenure hasn't stopped Amad from shining through the shade. People will point to his form and how he's adapted seamlessly to Amorim's instructions in a way that his teammates have failed to but it's taken time for Amad to realise a role at United.
His loan at Sunderland was a greater success than his months spent at the Ibrox, but that still didn't convince Erik ten Hag of his talent. Amad returned to United in June 2023, but a knee injury ruled him out for the first six months of the season.
He didn't truly announce himself until United's emphatic FA Cup quarter-final victory against Liverpool where Amad squeezed in a winner in extra time. United would later go on to win the FA Cup, but Amad played thirty minutes during the semi-final and was an unused substitute in the final.
Amad's start to this campaign was one he took to with his typical enthusiasm. In just four Premier League starts under Ten Hag, he contributed to two goals. His performances led to fans calling for greater involvement for Amad. Ten Hag's decision to snub the 22-year-old until his sacking in October is one the Dutchman has been forced to regret over time.
Amad's growing role and influence earned him a deal to secure his Old Trafford future until 2030 with a new contract in January. At face value, it looks like Amad has redefined himself at United, but truthfully his progress has taken patience, setbacks and a loan to Rangers.
