Rúben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United has hit Amad harder than most, as the Ivorian has now revealed.
The sacking of Rúben Amorim came as a surprise to fans and pundits alike, but also to some of the players too.
After a poor run of results, including a disappointing performance against bottom-of-the-league Wolverhampton Wanderers at home, which proved to be the point at which his relationship with the likes of director of football Jason Wilcox reached breaking point.
Despite the 1-1 draw against Leeds in the Premier League not being the worst result, it was his outburst in the pre-game and post-match press conferences which shed light on the internal dispute between himself and his bosses, which led to him facing the axe.
Even with his poor record as Manchester United manager, he has been praised for improving team morale, with many players offering statements wishing the Portuguese luck for the future.
Amad explains “very good relationship” with Amorim
Before the appointment of Amorim, Amad was largely reduced to a squad player under Erik ten Hag. Seemingly unfavoured by the Dutch coach, many were wondering if the Ivorian still had a future at the club.
However, in either the right-wing back role or as the right No.10, Amad was given a new lease of life under Amorim. The freedom to bomb down the wing, take on his man, as well as having the ability to track back, made him one of the main men under the former Sporting CP coach.
As not only Amad, but also Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazaroui were all called up for international duty for AFCON, these key losses proved to be the catalyst of the end for Amorim.
Without three of his best players, as well as an injury crisis that included Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs De Ligt, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire, he was only able to record one win after the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
The Ivorian has recently come out and expressed his gratitude for the work of his now former manager, speaking to BeIN Sport
“I was a bit sad,” said Amad. “Because he’s the coach who gave me more visibility and more opportunities to play for Manchester United. I was very sad. I even sent him a message to thank him for everything he did for me, both in my life and especially in my career.
“I wished him good luck wherever he goes. It was a difficult moment for me, but I’m really focused on Ivory Coast and on this competition. I want to finish well here and try to win this AFCON. We had a very good relationship, almost like a father-and-son relationship. He understood me, and gave me a lot of advice, and let me play freely.
“It’s very unfortunate, but that’s life. You have to adapt, that’s football. I wish him all the best in life and his next club. My focus is Ivory Coast. I have to give everything for the country.”
Does a change in the system hinder Amad?
On paper, a change in the system would hinder Amad. If the club played a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, the first-choice front three would likely be Matheus Cunha on the left, Benjamin Šeško down the middle and Bryan Mbeumo on the right, with Bruno Fernandes as the No.10.
However, there are ways Amad could feature in the first XI. Managers in the modern day tend to be more flexible with their systems, with the initial formation often changing in offensive and defensive scenarios.
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Perhaps there could be a world where there is a 4-4-2 with Sesko as the striker, Mbeumo as the second striker playing off of him, leaving Cunha and Amad on the wings.
Even if Amad does not always start, it is not the end of the world. Having quality squad depth is natural and is something the best sides have. Not only that, but Amad’s versatility to play on either wing and even maybe as a ten could be something that proves beneficial for him in future.
As a quality and elite potential player, there is no doubt that Amad will find a way to force himself into the side.
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