Michael Carrick commented on his decision to bench Amad against Crystal Palace ahead of the Newcastle game, amid the Ivorian’s cryptic social media post.
Manchester United fell to a 2–1 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Premier League, despite the hosts playing much of the match with 10 men. Newcastle began the game with intensity, forcing United to weather early pressure before gradually settling into the contest as the first half went on.
The home side were reduced to 10 men when Jacob Ramsey received a second yellow card for simulation. Even so, Newcastle still managed to break the deadlock, converting from the penalty spot to take the lead.
United responded just before half-time. Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise cross into the box, and Casemiro met it with a header, drawing the visitors level and continuing his scoring form this season.
Rather than using the equaliser as momentum, United struggled after the break. Michael Carrick’s side produced a flat second-half performance and conceded a late goal, resulting in their first defeat under the new manager.
That fixture was the second in a row in which Benjamin Šeško was the preferred option to start over Amad, who came off the bench in the 76th minute.
Michael Carrick on Amad substitute decision
Speaking to club media after the win against Crystal Palace, Carrick went out of his way to praise Amad.
When justifying his choice to select Šeško over the Ivorian winger, he said: “It’s not as if from week to week that all of a sudden we’re really a fan of certain players and then the next week you’re on the bench, and we don’t like you anymore.
“It’s a little bit on certain games, certain types, certain strengths. Amad has been massive for us. It’s not a major downside that he didn’t start. He’s a big player for us. I think that’s our approach to it, and the boys have been fantastic.”
On Amad, he said: “He’s such a dream to work with. His attitude, he’s so positive, he wants to learn, he wants to keep pushing. He asks for more, ‘What can I do more? How can I improve?’ He’s desperate to do well, and he’s been a huge part of the team.”
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Is Amad’s talent wasted at right wing-back?
Between the game against Palace and Newcastle, Amad took to social media to post a cryptic social media post that left many perplexed as to what it actually means.
The 23-year-old burst onto the scene in the 2024/25 season, picking up eight goals and eight assists in 26 Premier League games at right wing, right midfield, and attacking midfield. His post could be understood to mean that a player can’t always feature or play in the same position, with the Ivorian playing most of this season as a right wing-back after the signing of Bryan Mbeumo last summer.
Read More: Gary Lineker weighs in on Paul Scholes’ bizarre shots at Michael Carrick, “It’s weird…”
Rúben Amorim’s decision to play Amad further back left many baffled, including former West Brom and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray, who, while speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, said: “Why would you be so stuck on one system and trying to force Amad as a right wing-back? Amad, who’s a brilliant footballer, Man United class, I would suggest. I speak to [former United defender] Gary Pallister a lot about this. Amad, he’s a genius.
“The ball’s stuck to his left foot. He is a brilliant football player and a brilliant human being. And you’re playing him at right wing-back just to fit into your system?”
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