Manchester United lost 4-3 against Brentford in the Premier League on the weekend but Ruben Amorim has received a boost ahead of the game with Athletic Club next week.
A heavily rotated United side initially withstood early pressure from Brentford and managed to break the deadlock with a brilliant counter-attacking goal.
However, defensive lapses allowed the Bees to strike twice before halftime, and they added two more after the break to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
Late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Amad sparked a brief resurgence, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a result from the match for the Reds.
Ruben Amorim and his side will be disappointed with the result but it remains clear that the Europa League is the priority for the club for the rest of the season.
Amorim receives huge boost despite Brentford defeat
United take a 3-0 advantage heading back to Old Trafford for the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Club.
It was a brilliant result last week in Spain but Amorim’s men will have to produce a good performance to ensure they move into the final.
Despite the defeat against Brentford, the game saw Amad play 45 minutes and score, which is a huge boost heading into that second-leg.
When it was initially reported that Amad was ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury, many hoped that the Ivorian would be able to return to the squad for this game.
However, it was not expected that he would have two strong substitute cameos under his belt, and a goal, heading into that clash.
You could argue that the winger is prepared to start against the La Liga outfit, but either way, getting those minutes on the pitch ahead of the game has been important for the player and head coach.
Amad shows what Amorim wants at wingback
Amad scored against Brentford and created several dangerous opportunities from the right side of the pitch. He has came on at wingback in both of his appearances but he has barely looked like a defensive player.
The 22-year-old seems to be the kind of player that Amorim actually wants in that position, with the offensive abilities to help United in the final third.
Too often this season we have seen defender playing in those wingback roles and they are unable to make a positive impact in the final third. That isn’t the case with Amad on the pitch.
Amorim will have a decision to make this coming week as to whether it is worth starting Amad against Athletic Club or bringing him off the bench. Either way, it is a big positive that United have him back and he will certainly be eyeing a starting spot in the final if United make it there.
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