Manchester United may need to shake up their attack, with calls growing for youngster Shea Lacey to be handed a start against Roma on Tuesday night after Amad's wasteful display in the defeat to Chelsea.
Amad started against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend and missed a number of big chances. Despite Manchester United creating plenty of opportunities in the first half, many falling to Amad, he could not score from 0.56 expected goals (xG). The worst miss came on the stroke of half-time when he nipped in behind Wesley Fofana, got one-on-one with the goalkeeper, and fired over the bar.
Michael Carrick did not get to his feet during the opening 10 minutes of the game but was animated for the remainder of the first half, looking particularly exasperated when Amad missed that chance. Amad appealed for a penalty, appearing to feel contact from a scrambling Fofana behind him, but even with the defender trying to recover, he should have scored.
Amad's goal drought continues
Amad posted a message on social media a day after the Chelsea defeat, which felt like an acknowledgement that he should have done better. "Difficult days weigh on us, but they will never erase what unites us," he posted on his Instagram story. "The joy of winning again will be all the greater for having waited for it together. I have such faith."
His output in the final third has been a topic of conversation for a while. Every other aspect of his performance against Chelsea was encouraging, but his finishing let him down. Remarkably, his last goal for the club came in United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 15, 2025.
Carrick was asked about Amad's output in May and defended his form, explaining that he offers more to the team than just goals and assists, but the ability to impact games is what wins points. Amad contributed an assist on the final day of the season against Brighton and looked back to his best during the World Cup, brimming with confidence for the Ivory Coast, hinting a revival was in store this season, but his wait for a goal continues after missing chances against Chelsea.
Case for Shea Lacey
That is a problem at a time when Carrick needs his forwards to step up. With Benjamin Sesko sidelined, Bryan Mbeumo has at times looked like the only forward capable of scoring, which is an obvious concern.
It may be time to give Shea Lacey a start against Roma. It would be slightly harsh to drop Amad, given he played well but just failed to score against Chelsea, but Lacey deserves a chance. The youngster has been unused since his brilliant goal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup in September, making cameos against Como and Bournemouth.
While Amad is approaching the one-year anniversary of his last goal for the club, Lacey has made fewer than 10 first-team appearances and his last goal came just 47 days ago. Lacey is a fearless winger, unafraid to shoot from angles other young players wouldn't have the ability or confidence to attempt. Carrick needs players who can score goals in his team, and Lacey currently offers a better chance of finding the net than Amad.
