It makes sense to be cautious before hyping up a player based on a World Cup, but Man Utd really are on the cusp of having a new world-class player.
The World Cup has started to get into its stride, and Man Utd representation, from both past and present players, has been plenty.
The likes of Casemiro have struggled, while someone like Amad has shone for Ivory Coast in their solitary games, respectively.
After just four days of the tournament, however, it’s clear that Man Utd will have a newly-crowned world-class player returning from the World Cup.
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Amad is finding world-class levels for Ivory Coast
Of all the Man Utd players to have played in the tournament so far, Amad stands out as the biggest winner.
He struck the winner in injury time for Ivory Coast to lift them over Ecuador in their opening game of the World Cup.
For anyone who has seen Amad operate for his country in the past year, this will come as no surprise, since he’s finding world-class levels for them.
The national team provides him more freedom to do his thing, which is when his natural, creative self is at his devastating best.
With games against Germany and Curacao to come, Amad could easily drive a deep run for his country in the tournament.
More such performances like these will be music to the ears of Man Utd fans, who have been struggling to see the same levels from Amad at Old Trafford.
A good World Cup will fill Amad with confidence
By the end of the 2025/26 season, it was clear that Amad’s problem at United was more mental than technical.
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He was in a crisis of confidence, which showed in his overall play. He still tried hard, but the end product deserted him.
A good World Cup with Ivory Coast will fill him with confidence, and he will carry that straight into Carrington when he returns to the club.
Feeling like a maverick is exactly what he needs right now, because it’s all about remembering who he is, instead of getting better.
United will have a new world-class player, thanks to the World Cup, once Amad remembers his talent and escapes this crisis of confidence.
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