Ruben Amorim has already given the green light to Manchester United's Diogo Dalot replacement

Ruben Amorim and Man United are set to be given a much-needed injury boost heading into the latter stages of the campaign.

Ruben Amorim is close to welcoming back a key player.

Manchester United could be given a timely boost this week with the return of Amad from injury.

Amad has been sidelined since mid-February with an ankle injury which head coach Ruben Amorim originally forecasted would sideline the Ivorian for the rest of the season.

However, the former Sunderland loanee has made excellent progress with his recovery and is set to return before the curtain comes down on the campaign, so much so Sunday's trip to Brentford could mark his return.

Amad last featured when United got the better of Leicester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on February 7. Up until that juncture, he had arguably been United's best player since Amorim's appointment in November, scoring six goals and registering six assists in 20 appearances.

The former Atalanta ace had blossomed as both a right wing-back and as a No.10 prior to his injury, meaning his absence has left United without a highly versatile figure in the last few months. He quickly got to grips with Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system and looked particularly accomplished at right wing-back.

The wing-back areas are the key to Amorim's system thriving, and the addition of Patrick Dorgu in February was a nod to the Portuguese chief's desire to strengthen that department. Despite the up and down nature of his performances in his first few months in England, he and Dalot were developing a solid understanding in the wide areas.

However, United may find themselves without Dalot for the remainder of the season. He has a calf injury and will miss their upcoming matches at the very least.

Noussair Mazraoui deputised at right wing-back in his absence against Bournemouth on Sunday and could find himself operating in the same role again against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.

However, Amad's impending return could see him reclaim that right wing-back spot after a stint as the right-sided No.10 prior to his injury. He quickly demonstrated he is suitable for that position and he has no complaints about manning the right flank.

Amad will soon be back for Manchester United.

"You can’t be focused only in one position," Amad said back in December. "Sometimes you can play as a defender, sometimes you can play as a striker.

"Wherever the manager puts me, I'm ready to fight for the team. I have no problem to play just as the right winger or No.10, I can play everywhere. Like I said to the manager, if you need me as a 'keeper, I'm ready to do my best."

Amad started Amorim's tenure as one of the wing-backs before being tasked with operating closer to the central striker in one of the two No.10 positions. Amorim made that tactical tweak due to him believing United would benefit from a left-footed presence in the right-sided No.10 role.

However, at the time of making that switch, he admitted he could envision Amad operating as a wing-back in the future.

"I think Amad in that position [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. I try to reinforce the team with the idea and try to use the characteristics of the players," said Amorim, speaking ahead of United's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at Old Trafford in December.

With Dalot facing an unprecedented spell on the sidelines and Mazraoui not as attack-minded as the Portuguese international, Amad could be a natural fit to replace the former FC Porto man for the run-in.

His performances as a wing-back earlier in the campaign were both dependable and eye-catching, meaning nobody is likely to turn their nose up at the prospect of seeing him operating out wide. It would also be a route for Amorim to get an extra attacker on the pitch