Manchester United can unlock the hidden gem that Michael Carrick loves. Amad endured a difficult season at Old Trafford, but the winger is heading to the World Cup and might fancy his chances of impressing in North America.
While the rest of Manchester United's attack shone in 2025/26, it was a more challenging year for Amad, certainly his worst since breaking into the side after his £37 million move from Atalanta. There were just six goal contributions across the season for the 23-year-old, with one of those coming on the final day against Brighton, and he had spells out of the team as Michael Carrick rotated his options.
Amad can expect more of that next season, especially if Benjamin Sesko nails down a regular place in the starting XI. There is also a chance that United will add to their attacking options, either in the form of an experienced forward or another winger. However, there is certainly no desire to write Amad off. For all that his numbers went backwards this season, he is three games from a century for United and already has 16 goals and 16 assists to his name. He has shown he is good enough to form a part of the attack at Old Trafford.
Carrick's Support
Amad's form last season came up towards the end of the campaign, and Carrick made a point of praising his displays and insisting there was more to analyse than just the raw numbers. "I actually think he's playing well," Carrick said. "In terms of goals and assists, I think there's an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team like he has, to worry about numbers, I think he gives the team so much. He's got so much talent, he's got so much ability, but his work ethic and his attitude is fantastic as well. He has played different roles at times. I'm a big fan of Amad."
He certainly finished the season well. He got an assist at the Amex in United's 3-0 win against Brighton and could have scored as well, twice hitting the target with shots, while his eight attacking touches in the opposition penalty area was the most of anyone on the pitch.
World Cup Momentum
There are signs he is carrying that momentum into the summer. He swept home a well-taken winner to hand the Ivory Coast a big victory against France in a pre-World Cup warm-up and now has an impressive six goals in 19 caps for his country. In a group with Germany, Curacao and Ecuador, it feels like the Ivory Coast have the attacking power to cause teams a problem this summer. They can field Amad and RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande on the wings, with Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny potentially leading the line.
That is a lot of firepower and speed in that front line, and Amad will hope the tournament can act as a springboard to return to top form. For all that last season wasn't his best, he hit double figures for goals and assists in 2024/25, despite United struggling through the campaign. That is a fairer indication of his ability, and he will know he needs to be hitting those levels next year to hold down a place in the United team, especially if he returns to Carrington and finds more competition for places. Having a good World Cup for a team that could cause an upset or two would be an excellent start.
