Amad performance against Arsenal only raises more questions than answers

Amad looked like one of the best players on the pitch against Arsenal yesterday, until he typically went down injured. The question is, why did he have to wait so long for his chance?

Manchester United lost again over the weekend, with Arsenal picking up a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. This season has been a deflating one, with Erik ten Hag and these players sucking all the joy out of the sport at present.

To their slight credit, there was more fight on display yesterday, though the gulf in class between the two sides was heavily weighted in Arsenal’s favour. After all, they’re further on in their ‘project’, while United’s squad was decimated by injury.

What had me interested on Sunday was the fact that Amad was finally handed a start. Naturally, his omission recently led me to believe that Ten Hag doesn’t really think he’s ready and/or good enough. Particularly when that area of the field has been a real struggle all season. Amad’s absence felt somewhat damning.

Well, yesterday, the ex-Atalanta man was given that chance. He certainly made the most of it, in my opinion anyway…

In fact, the performance from the United starlet only raises more questions than answers about Ten Hag. Starting with why wasn’t Amad utilised sooner?

Amad looked hungry. He was willing to try something different. The dribbling ability was on full display. It was a refreshing performance from a teenager who arrived at Old Trafford for big money a few years ago. Why haven’t we seen him play more often?

Typically, the performance from Amad ended in injury. It looked like a contact problem more than a deeper-lying issue so he’ll likely be a little sore for a few days, but fine to play again in the not too distant future.

What’s most frustrating from a fan perspective is the fact that Amad has been made to sit on the bench while we watch Antony pass the ball to the other team multiple times a game. I know the Brazilian brings more structure and experience, but Amad looked a cut above yesterday.

You can level the argument that it’s just one game, but Amad did more in that hour than Antony has done in months. It’s the harsh reality of the situation.

I guess Ten Hag is trying to show faith in the man that he spent big money in, but the longer he persists with Antony and the poor performances keep following, the more likely he is to be out of a job come the summer.

You also have a duty of care to keep Amad happy as well as Antony. If you continue to make the young man from the Ivory Coast sit on the bench, he’s going to look for an exit in the not too distant future. In my opinion, Antony should be sold first, in order to free up the minutes for Amad.

The mad thing is that I’m still not convinced Amad is good enough for this elite level. However, what I am sure about is that he deserves the opportunity to prove me wrong based on that performance against Arsenal alone. With a game against Newcastle United coming on Wednesday, the winger is in a race against time to be fit. However, if he’s anywhere close to 100%, he better be included in the starting line-up.

Do you think Amad is good enough for Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

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