Amad reported for pre-season at Carrington on Monday morning following his post-World Cup break. He underwent routine fitness tests, completed light individual work in the gym and visited a private physiotherapist for a soft tissue massage. On Tuesday, Amad posted on social media: "A new season. More motivation, more hard work and more determination. The goal is clear: to win trophies."
World Cup revival
The forward impressed from the bench in Ivory Coast's opening World Cup game against Ecuador, scoring the winner with a superb first-time finish. That earned him a starting role in the second game against Germany. Although the Ivory Coast lost 2-1, they led 1-0 at half-time with Amad involved in the goal. He created chances early in the second half that were not converted. In the round of 32 against Norway, Amad scored one of the tournament's best goals, dribbling into the box and finding the top left corner.
Last season's struggles
Despite his World Cup heroics, Amad's output last season was two goals and four assists, which he acknowledged was not good enough. However, he had been one of United's best players in the 2024/25 season until an ankle injury in February. He scored a winner against Manchester City, an equaliser at Anfield, and a hat-trick in 10 minutes against Southampton. Last season, he lost form mid-campaign, partly due to a change in his connection with Bryan Mbeumo under Michael Carrick's system. Carrick defended Amad's performances when questioned. "I actually think he's playing well," Carrick said. "I think, yeah, numbers in terms of goals and assists.... I think there's an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team as 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." The article notes that Amad was not actually playing well at that point, but Carrick defended him regardless. Now, with his World Cup form, questions about his form are likely to be positive at the start of the new season.
