The Sunderland winger has shown great potential in pre-season but has often been plagued by injury.
Sunderland are continuously on the hunt for new signings ahead of their League One campaign next term, with several players already through the door and several more likely to arrive on Wearside.
Black Cats manager Jack Ross recently suggested that more than five signings could still be just around the corner for Sunderland, with a new-look squad set to be unveiled next month when the Wearsider’s begin life in the third tier at home to Charlton Athletic.
However, some of Sunderland’s most useful players for League One are likely already on Wearside, with many of last year’s Championship squad looking very handy for League One.
One of those players already on Wearside after last season’s dismal Championship campaign is winger Callum McManaman, who has made 24 appearances for Sunderland, scoring one goal to date.
The 27-year-old featured mostly from the bench last term, but often looked like one of the few players to cause the opposing side a whole heap of problems from either wing.
McManaman offers an excellent amount of flair on the ball, is easy on the eye when running at defenders and is most effective when crossing the ball for strikers to latch on to.
However, the former Wigan Athletic attacker does struggle with injuries, proven last season when McManaman missed a large portion of Sunderland’s Championship campaign.
But, if 42-year-old Ross can ensure McManaman can be fit for a physically demanding season in the third tier, Sunderland could have one of the best forward’s in League One on their hands.
The Merseyside-born man recently played in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with regular pre-season opponents Hartlepool United and McManaman certainly gave a taste of what supporters could be in for with an eye-catching performance at Victoria Park.
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