Man Utd may face awkward Amad conversation as Ruben Amorim decision backfires

Manchester United's 2-1 victory against West Ham United on Saturday offered plenty of positives at the start of their pre-season tour of the United States. However, concern is growing that Ruben Amorim's decision to start using Amad as his permanent right wing-back could stifle the 23-year-old's meteoric rise.

Amorim often used wingers as wing-backs in his 3-4-2-1 system at Sporting, where he built an empire of dominance before leaving for United in November. And he has already provided two significant indicators that he believes Amad suits the role in his current squad after his breakout 2024/25 season.

The Ivorian talent operated as United's right wing-back in their opening two pre-season fixtures against Leeds United and West Ham United.

Meanwhile, Amorim's attack-focused start to the summer transfer window has seemingly filled the two 'No. 10' roles with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

While both signings can play as the striker, they are natural fits in the two roles on either side and should play a prominent part this season.

Amad is, too, but United will not have splashed £71million for Mbeumo to use him outside of his preferred role.

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Amorim is expected to use Amad as his wing-back in matches where his side should dominate possession and have more control.

Diogo Dalot will likely be selected when United face sterner tests in which their back three is more like a back five, such as in the Premier League opener against Arsenal.

But Amorim's envisaged role for Amad is not guaranteed to work.

During United's triumph over West Ham, supporters watching the action in New Jersey noticed that Amad was often isolated on the right while attacks went through the central areas.

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While Mbeumo should represent a major upgrade to Amorim's firepower, the decision to recruit him from Brentford could backfire when it comes to Amad's development.

The Cameroonian, of course, will not start every match. But United are in a condition where they need as much talent on the pitch as they can get.

The last thing Amorim needs is one of his most talented stars in Amad growing unsettled because he has, quite literally, been pushed to the side for new arrivals.

United must find a way to make it work.