MUTV pundit names Man Utd star man of the match, ‘he was playing like it was his first ever appearance’

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Manchester United’s first match of the Ruben Amorim era had an anti-climactic feel.

After an incredible start that saw Manchester United take a 1-0 lead after just two minutes, it was disappointing to see the team end up drawing 1-1.

Yet in context of trying to introduce a new system to a new group of players, with very limited training time, a draw away from home was an accurate reflection of where United are right now.

Consider that United lost Erik ten Hag’s first two games, Ruben Amorim has a more solid platform to move forward from.

• READ MORE: Manchester United manager history, trophies won, win percentage

Amad praised

Amad provided the assist for Manchester United’s opener, cutting through the Ipswich defence with a direct run and cross straight to Marcus Rashford.

The Ivorian was playing in an unfamiliar wing-back role and impressed with his defensive work too.

Speaking to MUTV, former Manchester United academy prospect Fraizer Campbell said Amad stood out as his man of the match.

Campbell praised Amad’s enthusiasm, pointing out that the desire he played with was reminiscent of someone getting the chance to play for the club for the first time, and expressed that he wished all of the players had the same approach.

He said: “Not only the stuff he was doing going forward, he was getting back. He was playing like it was his first ever appearance, trying to impress, going that extra yard, just working really hard for the team.

“And that’s, I think that’s what they needed, collectively. If everyone’s pulling in same direction, putting the effort in that he’s putting in, I think will do well.”

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Amad still early in his United career

Manchester United agreed to sign Amad in 2020 and he joined the club in January 2021. Yet his career has been held up by various loan spells and injuries.

2024/25 is his first full season as a Manchester United regular, and even then, he had an up and down time with Erik ten Hag, before Ruud van Nistelrooy brought him back in as a regular starter during his interim spell.

It’s clear Ruben Amorim likes the look of him too, trusting him with the important wing-back role in his system, and the 22-year-old made the most of his opportunity.