Manchester United youngster Amad had a breakthrough moment in the FA Cup quarter-final with his first goal for the club since 2021.
Amad’s unforgettable winning goal against Liverpool was a reminder of his talent and temperament, able to deliver in big matches if given the chance. With a goal at Old Trafford against AC Milan on his CV too, his ability in the final third is not in doubt.
Where Amad has had to work to win Manchester United’s coaching staff over is what he does when he is out of possession.
Against Liverpool he did superbly with his work tracking back, with the youngster winning the ball several times, and he created his winning goal with his quick-thinking and tenacity on the edge of his own box.
Amad praised by Darren Fletcher
Manchester United staff member Darren Fletcher, technical director in name, has praised Amad’s contribution without the ball.
This was an area where United felt Amad needed to work on, to adjust to Erik ten Hag‘s instructions, following substitute performances against Nottingham Forest.
United’s coaches had worked closely with Amad at Carrington on this, and were delighted to see him follow their advice.
Fletcher told The Athletic: “At that key moment, he has to decide whether to become a right-back or where else to defend. Amad recognised what he had to do.
“The intensity, attitude and work rate is there. The off the ball stuff is really important.
“Against Liverpool, he showed he’d taken on all our feedback. He made more runs, he was more elusive as well as getting across his attacking qualities.”
It is this defensive contribution which will do more to earn Erik ten Hag’s trust than scoring goals. We all know Amad has the talent to make an impact in the final third, he just needs to prove to the manager that he can be relied on from a defensive and tactical perspective.
Amad must wait a little longer
A harsh red card against Liverpool after scoring means Amad will serve a one-game suspension. This will be against Brentford on Saturday night.
It is just one game, but an added frustration for the player, who has had to sit out with the international break after his winner against Liverpool.
Ideally he would have been able to go straight into a United game days later, and follow up on his big impact.
Still, United face Chelsea and Liverpool in the days after the Brentford match, and there is a FA Cup semi-final to look forward too as well. There should be opportunity for the youngster, especially now he has won over the coaching staff.