Manchester United have the wind in their sails as they head to the USA for the next leg of the pre-season tour after their win against Rangers in Scotland.
The 2-0 win, arriving courtesy of Amad and Joe Hugill’s goals, is a big confidence booster after a lackluster display vs Rosenborg.
Leny Yoro’s brilliant debut plus a sensational performance by Amad were the highlights, while Toby Collyer continued his ascent toward a breakthrough.
Amidst all the highlights, Amad’s first-half display will long live in the memory, especially of the Rangers’ left-back, who was tormented by the Ivorian.
By the time Amad was subbed off at the end of the first half, United fans were in full agreement over one thing, it needs to happen now-
Man Utd fans react to Amad’s display
Even before scoring the well-deserved goal, Amad was running Rangers ragged. Going outside on his right, cutting inside on his left, passing, dribbling, or tracking back, it was a proper winger display.
The goal was just the cherry on top of what was already a cake of brilliance. Erik ten Hag also admitted post-game that this has to be Amad’s season.
That can only happen if the player remains fit and is given a consistent run in the team in his favoured position.
One fan wrote, “Amad is unreal, hope he gets more minutes this season”. Another said, “What a player! He definitely has to be our starting right-winger this season”.
The theme of “more chances for Amad” continued and was agreed upon by everyone, as some fans thanked their lucky stars they missed out on players like Michael Olise.
One said, “Who needs Olise when you have Amad, what a player!”, as another said his display reminded him of a certain English wonderkid who thrilled at the Euros, “He could be better than [Bukayo] Saka if given the opportunity”.
Amad spent a season at Rangers in what was ultimately a failed loan. A fan saw redemption in the player’s eyes, “He went on loan there and they didn’t use him properly so he wanted to redeem himself!”.
Fans are ready and in full agreement with Ten Hag that this is Amad’s year, with fan putting it succinctly, “Can’t wait for you to take over the Prem [Premier League] next season!”.
All eyes on the right-wing spot
They say “Begin as you mean to go along” and Amad has started this season like a house on fire. Contrast that with Antony, who is yet to make an appearance, and the narrative is clear.
The Brazilian struggled the whole of last season but Amad’s injury meant he was perhaps given more chances than his form warranted.
When the Ivorian was back, he showed glimpses of the top player he can be and by the time the season ended, he was arguably on equal footing with his rival for the position.
Now that this season has begun with one playing like Amad has, Ten Hag has a decision to make. He will have to take a bold call and establish Amad as the first choice while giving him a long rope.
Antony has been given numerous chances to make that position his own and yet, after two years, that hasn’t been the case.
It’s time that privilege now goes to Amad while Antony fights from underneath to get it back. Both deserve to be in the position they are in.
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