Amad already staking claim for Man United starting berth in 2024/25 season

Amad has already signalled his intent for the 2024/25 season at Man United, starting pre-season off with a sensational performance.

Manchester United Football Club earned their first pre-season victory against Rangers in Edinburgh yesterday afternoon. A 2-0 win against the SPL’s finest was certainly deserved.

The game itself was an entertaining watch for the neutral – perhaps even more so for supporters of the 20-time Premier League champions.

From minute one, the intensity and effort was there from the boys in red. Amad was undoubtedly the standout.

The young Ivorian was pressing from the front, working hard on the defensive side of the ball and giving 110%. That translated to productivity and positivity every single time he was in possession.

From running at his man directly, to showcasing his on-ball skills, with some clever passing in between the lines thrown in for good measure. Amad looked confident. Amad looked dangerous. Amad was a problem for the opposing defenders.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say this is the best I’ve ever seen him play. Yes, it was just 45 minutes, but the positivity, hunger and desire was there for all to see.

I’ll be the first to admit I was starting to give up on Amad after that failed loan move to Rangers a couple of seasons ago. Though to his credit, he used it as fuel to bounce back. Sunderland benefitted from his immense talents in the 2022/23 season, while injuries decimated his 2023/24 campaign at Old Trafford. However, at the back end of the season, there were positive signs.

A couple of stunning goals, one a winner against Liverpool, seemed to instil confidence in Amad. From that point forward, the right-winger threatened every defence he came up against, largely off the substitutes bench.

As Erik ten Hag aptly said after the game yesterday, this has to be Amad’s year.

We tend to forget that this guy was signed as a teenager, in a deal that could eventually total more than £40m. That’s a hefty price to pay, though we’re now starting to see why he cost so much.

It feels like Amad has matured almost overnight. He’s gone from boy to man and now he has to take full advantage, particularly as it looked like his window at the Theatre of Dreams was closing.

I’d argue that he’ll never get a better chance than right now. Antony looks to be struggling badly. Jadon Sancho has never really set the world alight here in Manchester, while Alejandro Garnacho is far better off the left-hand side. Amad’s time is now.

First and foremost, it’s about continuing with this outstanding pre-season form. He’s shone for 45 minutes. That has to continue for the remainder of the tour, as the quality of opponent also ramps up.

Simply put, Amad has to leave Ten Hag with no choice but to start him in the Community Shield on August 10th, followed up with the first Premier League game against Fulham on August 16th. I give him an excellent shot at doing just that.

Do you think Amad deserves a run in the team on the right-hand side? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

Follow Old Trafford Faithful on Twitter for more Manchester United news.