Manchester United whizkid Amad is the man of the moment after a sensational winning goal against Liverpool.
It is a momentManchester United fans won’t forget. Amad and Alejandro Garnacho charging through on the counter-attack, with the Ivorian’s perfectly placed shot nestling in the bottom corner, in off the post. Cue wild scenes of celebration.
Amad started it too. Not for the first time in the match, he won the ball back, showing a determination to gain an advantage, and it paid off.
It is not the first time he has done it against Liverpool either. Eagle-eyed fans have noticed a similarity with his opening strike in a Manchester United shirt, way back in 2021.
Amad first goal for Manchester United academy
After his move to Manchester United from Atalanta went through in 2021, Amad made his debut for the under-21s, then referred to as the under-23s.
His much-anticipated debut was worth the wait. He was a class apart as Manchester United’s under-23s demolished Liverpool 6-3, he scored twice, including the opening goal.
The first had a striking similarity to his goal at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-final. Sensing the chance to win the ball back from an opponent, he charged in, took possession, before lifting it over the goalkeeper.
Both goals showed Amad’s desire and work rate along with his composure inside the box.
Secret to Amad success
The similarity between the two goals was noted on MUTV in the lead-up to Manchester United’s under-21 win over West Brom on Monday night.
Former academy talent turned pundit Ben Thornley explained that Amad’s pace and small frame helps his ability to steal in and win possession back for his team.
He explained: “We saw what he did here. When he nips in, and yesterday we saw him do it at the other end, tracking back and taking the ball to run.
“He’s obviously very, very good at that, whipping balls off people’s toes because he’s so diminutive and he’s so quick, but he didn’t half take his goal well.”
Manchester United hope to see a lot more from Amad over the coming weeks, he has earned more opportunities.
There is a case to be made that Amad’s best role is a central one. He is the kind of player you want to be in possession of the ball, who has the quality to make decisive impacts in the final third.
His desire to get on the ball reflects this, and it’s a trait United should be looking to harness to help him reach his full potential.