Manchester United's Ruben Amorim was given a chaotic send-off for his departing Africa Cup of Nations stars, as his side played out a breathless 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The match served as a fitting, if frustrating, farewell for winger Amad, who scored but also made a critical error before his international duty.
Amad Shines in Chaotic Farewell Performance
The Ivorian international, Amad, opened the scoring for United, demonstrating the instinctive positioning that has made him a key figure. He was on hand to tap into an empty net from close range, giving the home side an early lead in what would become a rollercoaster encounter. Operating from a wing-back role initially, he was a constant menace, driving forward with pace and trickery to torment the Bournemouth defence.
However, his night was tinged with disappointment. In the game's dying moments, his attempted challenge inadvertently set up Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi for a late equaliser, ensuring the points were shared. The 23-year-old now heads to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, leaving a significant creative void in United's attack for the next month.
Amorim's Tactical Shift Breaks Earlier Promise
The match may have signalled a significant philosophical shift from manager Ruben Amorim. In September, after a heavy defeat to Manchester City, he defiantly stated he would not change his ways, insisting "if they want it changed, you change the man." Yet against Bournemouth, with his side chasing the game, he abandoned his familiar 3-4-3 structure.
Amorim switched to a back four, pushing Amad higher as a right-winger and adopting a more aggressive 4-2-4 shape. This direct response to fans chanting "attack, attack" led to a thrilling, if defensively vulnerable, spectacle. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola admitted his side "suffered" from the change. Post-match, Amorim was coy on the specifics but noted, "I know you guys know we trained this week with a back four."
Mixed Nights for Departing AFCON Stars
While Amad impressed, his fellow AFCON-bound teammate had a night to forget. Bryan Mbeumo, the £71million signing from Brentford, was well below par. The Cameroon international spurned a glorious chance, blazing over from eight yards, and was substituted late on for Joshua Zirkzee.
In contrast, Matheus Cunha was arguably the man of the match, scoring United's fourth goal with a powerful, driving performance. United led three times during the match—through goals from Bruno Fernandes, Cunha, and Amad—but were pegged back on each occasion. Their 41-year record of not losing a home game when leading at half-time was under serious threat, only preserved by two superb late saves from goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The result leaves Amorim with a puzzle to solve. Having potentially broken his tactical promise to deliver more attacking football, he must now make it work without his "flexible friend" Amad, and defenders Noussair Mazraoui, for the duration of the AFCON tournament.
