Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was undoubtedly one of the best performers during Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous reign. The Ivorian moved into an unfamiliar right wing-back role but performed well, linking up with summer signing Bryan Mbeumo.
There were several occasions during Amorim’s tenure when Amad was undroppable. He was a shining light in a dark period for the club following a 15th-placed finish.
Amad bagged 10 goals and 11 assists in 43 games across competitions under Amorim. He was one of the Portuguese’s favourites during his 14 months in the dugout.
Amad’s situation
Amad’s run in the starting lineup ended in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. The 23-year-old was named on the bench again for a dissapointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Carrick turned to Amad off the bench in both of those games, and he added much-needed energy in attack. There have since been calls from fans to see him start against top-four rivals Aston Villa on Sunday (March 15th).
Amad sent tongues wagging with a mysterious social media post after the Newcastle loss. He posted a picture of himself celebrating in a United kit with the caption “What is meant to grow does not stay in the same place forever.”
This sparked talk that the Ivorian may be pondering his future after Carrick dropped him this past week. He will have four years on his contract in the summer and has seemed happy with life in Manchester.
Mad for United
Any doubts about Amad’s future away from Manchester United might have been put to bed. Football Insider‘s Pete O’Rourke has downplayed suggestions he is weighing up his potential exit, noting there wasn’t “any need to read too much into that social media post.”
O’Rourke added, “Amad is still highly regarded, he’s been a regular in the side since Carrick took charge, he’s just been left out of the last couple of games due to the form of Benjamin Sesko.“
Amad was a starter in Carrick’s first six games in charge but failed to register a goal or an assist. Ironically, his last league goal came in a 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, his last outing under Amorim.
O’Rourke pointed out his importance in Carrick’s team:
“He’s come off the bench in both games as well, so I don’t think there’s any concern about his future. He’s had a decent season so far, with two goals and three assists in all competitions, and he’s under a long-term contract until 2030.“
He added:
“Amad is still happy at Old Trafford even though he’s maybe lost his place in the starting lineup but he’s such a versatile player that he’s got a key role to play for United going forward.”
Amad has been with United since early 2021, when he arrived from Atalanta in a £37m deal. He has developed into one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated wingers.
Is Amad ruing Amorim sack?
Amad was a focus in Amorim’s team because the Portuguese coach’s system was heavily reliant on wing-backs. He worked well in tandem with Mbeumo on the right, using his pace and agility to offer support on the overlap.
The Ivorian also impressed defensively, constantly pressing the opposition and closing them down in his own half. He is a real team player who will perform any role asked of him.
Carrick’s appointment means one of Amad, Mbeumo, Sesko, or Matheus Cunha has to drop to the bench. The defeat to Newcastle might be a wake-up call for the English tactician regarding the need to use Amad’s direct playing style and explosiveness.
