Amad is finding form for the Ivory Coast and his two goals recently for his country are a reminder of where he could play for Man Utd.
Amad celebrates his World Cup match-winner against Ecuador
After scoring the winner for Ivory Coast against France in a World Cup warm-up game, Amad would have thought he had done enough to earn a starting role when the real action began.
So the forward would have been disappointed to find himself on the bench against Ecuador on Sunday, with his place on the right wing taken by teenager Yan Diomande, a player Manchester United were keen on earlier this season, but now looks set to join Liverpool from RB Leipzig.
Diomande, 19, enjoyed an eye-catching World Cup debut, but the decision to play the versatile winger on the right, with 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure on the left and the experienced Nicolas Pepe as the No. 10 meant Amad was frozen out.
It shows the attacking riches available to Ivory Coast boss Emerse Fae, but he surely won’t be overlooking Amad again anytime soon. The 23-year-old replaced Toure and often played through the middle when he came on, looking impressive in his 34 minutes on the pitch, culminating in a brilliantly taken goal to secure the win against Ecuador.
With minnows Curacao still to play, that goal should be enough to send the Ivory Coast on their way to the World Cup knockouts for the first time in their history, and it should be enough to get Amad back in the team as well.
Although he has just endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, with two goals and four assists in 32 Premier League appearances, his performances for his country remain impressive. The goal in Philadelphia was his fifth in nine games since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in December, along with two assists.
His impact through the middle against Ecuador is also a reminder of his versatility. With Diomande now posing a serious threat to his position on the right, Amad might see Pepe’s role as one he can make his own, with the former Arsenal forward now 31, while he could also play on the left in place of Toure.
Both of Amad’s recent goals have come from central positions, sweeping home first-time shots after low balls in from the right wing, and it’s a reminder of his finishing ability and that he can do damage playing centrally.
He spent almost all of last season on the right wing for United, but played as a false nine during his loan spell at Sunderland and was a regular goalscorer for the Black Cats in the Championship.
That could be an option for Michael Carrick to consider next season. Carrick launched a staunch defence of Amad towards the end of the season, calling on critics to look beyond the numbers and consider what he gives the team and his role in a winning side.
United have a versatile front line, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha also capable of playing in all three positions. There are plans afoot to strengthen the attack as well, either with an experienced forward or someone who can play on the left.
What United really need is someone who can fill in for Bruno Fernandes as the No. 10. The Portuguese playmaker has just had the season of his life, but he turns 32 in September and has played a lot of football since joining United in January 2020.
Cunha and Mason Mount are both options to replace Fernandes for some games next season, but Amad is also throwing his hat into the ring. He has shown he is a confident finisher through the middle and in an attack that likes to keep teams guessing, he could be the best option to give his captain a rest every now and again.
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