Michael Carrick has made one change to his Manchester United starting lineup for their encounter with Crystal Palace today (March 1st). The Red Devils host the Eagles at Old Trafford following a 1-0 win over Everton on Monday.
Benjamin Sesko was again named on the bench in that game, but came off the bench and scored the winner. The 22-year-old striker has earned a start against Palace, and that has come at the expense of Amad.
The Ivorian winger is the one who drops to the bench as Carrick goes with Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack. All eyes were on who would make way for the Slovenian, and it was a tough decision for the coach.
Amad dropped
Amad was a regular starter under Ruben Amorim, who tended to use him as a right wing-back in his 3-4-2 formation. He was still effective in the role, but his goal contributions haven’t matched Mbeumo’s.
That’s why the Cameroonian moves out to the right wing to accommodate Sesko, who leads the line. It puts pressure on Amad to prove he warrants a starting role in the remainder of the season.
Amad has appeared 22 times across competitions this season, posting two goals and three assists. He was one of only a few Reds who impressed during Amorim’s reign.
Fans concerned about Amad
Should Sesko continue his superb goalscoring form since the turn of the year, it could mean Amad will take up a place on the bench permanently. He is one of United’s most celebrated young talents and won’t want to miss out on the Premier League run-in.
Fans have noticed a drop in performance from the Ivorian since Carrick replaced Amorim. One pointed out that the change in the system has had an effect:
“A much needed replacement. Unfortunately, Amad has had little impact on games since we switched from the 3-4-3 formation. The big question is can Sesko make an impact as a starter like he has coming from the bench.”
Another added:
“Well, I predicted Amad on the bench looking at recent performances.”
Mark Goldbridge said Carrick got it right:
“Sesko starts Amad dropped. Right call. Hopefully Amad comes off the bench and delivers.”
This was echoed by another supporter:
“Nobody is talking about Amad not performing well under Carrick despite his natural position. But it’s Amorim that played him as RWB that played Amad off position.”
Amad has been at United since early 2021 and has grown into a fan favourite and one of the league’s most highly rated attackers. If the Reds are to kick on and try to return to the top of English football, they need a squad brimming with talent, and that includes top-class depth.
Rotation will be vital next season if the team are competing in the Champions League. That’s why Amad shouldn’t be too worried about the situation because he has the ability to reclaim a starting role.
