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Amad Opens Up On Wing-Back Role Under Rúben Amorim: "Helped Me A Lot..."
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- Amad Opens Up On Wing-Back Role Under Rúben Amorim: "Helped Me A Lot..."
Have Manchester United solved their winger crisis this season?
Manchester United have been nothing short of disappointing this season, with Michael Carrick only tallying six points from six games in the Premier League , leaving United winless in their last five games in all competitions.
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The next few weeks will be decisive in Carrick's future at Old Trafford, with the club already making the bold call to keep Carrick after he turned Rúben Amorim's struggling side around into a third-place finish in the league last season.
Amorim's time in charge was tough for United fans, with his persistent 3-4-2-1 system failing to deliver as United ended the 2024/25 season in 15th place and runners-up in the Europa League.
Amorim's system did see some shining lights within the squad, such as Amad, who found a surge in his output whilst operating in the right wing-back role. The young Ivorian has since spoken out about his role in Amorim's system.
Amad Admits Progress In Wingback Role
Many criticised Amorim's methods at the club, with the Portuguese manager doubling down on his formula rather than submitting to the players' strengths. Whilst this did result in a horrible spell for Manchester United fans, Amad was a clear standout performer as a wing-back.
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The 24-year-old explained how his role under Amorim aided him. He told club media : "Playing as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim helped me a lot as a player, especially in terms of my energy levels and defensive work rate.
"I'm happy to have played in that position."
Amad struggled to have the same effect under Michael Carrick last season as he found himself deputising for Bryan Mbeumo after his big move from Brentford in the previous summer.
However, with Benjamin Sesko's injury issues, Mbeumo could be seen as the preferred striker in the squad, now leaving Amad to step in on the right wing, where, despite not having as strong an output, the forward has been integral in so many United attacks when playing under Carrick.
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Carrick's Preferred Pressing Style
After last season, questions among the fanbase were raised about how sustainable Carrick's playing style would be in the future. However, the club has shifted to a more preferred possession-based system where they win the ball back more quickly to control games.
This is more suited to Amad's play style, with the forward showing elite energy levels under Amorim with his relentless pressing nature.
With major improvements in the club needed this season, Amad's profile could be the preferred option on the right side now as the club looks for more control over games. New midfield signing Carlos Baleba has slotted into the squad after arriving with an injury, so the demand for results from the fans is rightfully high.
Manchester United look to Leeds United next in yet another tough away game, where the pressure is mounting on Carrick's shoulders.
