Amad has not played a single minute for Manchester United this season, yet his importance to the team has increased. The winger picked up a "niggle" in training on the eve of the opening game against Hull, but the issue has kept him out of every match so far.
Potential return against Tottenham
Michael Carrick suggested Amad could return to face Tottenham this weekend, the first game back after the international break. That would be a significant boost, as the 24-year-old is an important piece of the attack, especially with question marks around Benjamin Sesko's shin injury.
Carrick has not disclosed details on Sesko's injury, but United's medical team face a challenge if the striker is suffering from shin splints, which troubled Andy Cole in the 1990s. The injury can flare up unexpectedly, as demonstrated by Sesko returning to the sidelines despite believing the issue was behind him after missing pre-season.
Striker-less attack preference
Sesko's injury has been assessed at Carrington again during the international break, meaning Carrick could be without the only recognised centre-forward in his squad. However, Carrick has shown a preference for playing with a striker-less front three, even when Sesko has been available.
Sesko has exclusively made substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with his two starts coming against Sabah in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Carrick's preferred attack has been Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, sparking questions about whether he believes playing with a natural striker is the best option.
It worked to great effect last season, and the attacking line can be more dynamic, fluid and pacy without Sesko. This season's problem has been that Cunha has been chosen to play down the middle, where he has looked uncomfortable.
Better balance with Amad
Mbeumo is more effective down the middle than Cunha, and he can play there when Amad is available, as the latter would start on the right, leaving a choice between Rashford and Cunha on the left. Cunha looked more dangerous when he moved to the left against Fulham before the break, scoring an equaliser with a deflection.
The attack is better-balanced when Amad is fit. Cunha is happier on the left and Mbeumo is more of a threat down the middle. The timing of Amad's injury was unfortunate, as he looked primed for a strong campaign after scoring two superb goals for the Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
Amad reached double figures for goals and assists during the 2024/2025 campaign and was United's most important player for much of it. He scored a match-winner against Manchester City in December 2024, the equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield, and a hat-trick in 10 minutes against Southampton. He was in contention for the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, but an ankle injury kept him out for three months.
Amad wasn't good enough last season, contributing just two goals and four assists across all competitions, but his summer performances suggested he would return to form. He will be itching to get back on the pitch after missing the first seven games, and his absence has reminded everyone of his importance as an attacking outlet and diligent runner.
"I actually think he's playing well," said Carrick earlier this year. "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."
Carrick will be delighted when Amad is given the green light from the medical staff, which could be in time for Tottenham on Saturday.
