Manchester United supporters were quick to single out one player in particular despite Michael Carrick’s side running out 1–0 winners against Everton.
On Monday (23 February), Carrick guided United to their fifth victory in six games since succeeding Ruben Amorim as head coach in January, with the three points ensuring United moved back up to fourth, above Chelsea.
After a low-key first half which saw little in the way of chances for either side, Carrick decided to withdraw Amad, replacing the Ivorian with Benjamin Sesko. The change proved to be a masterstroke, as the Slovenian finished a precise counter-attacking move in the 71st minute.
Despite Everton bombarding United’s defence with a barrage of corners late in the game, centre-backs Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro held firm, while Senne Lammens made a string of crucial saves to preserve United’s lead.
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United supporters no doubt left the Hill Dickinson in a jubilant mood after watching their side go six games unbeaten; however, on social media, they were still quick to criticise one player’s performance.
Amad bore the brunt of several negative comments online before he was taken off for Sesko in the 58th minute.
One fan said: “Amad should be coming off the bench right now. His overall gameplay has declined. This isn’t even about g/a.”
Another added: “It’s not ‘hate’ to point out that Mbeumo has as many assists in his last two games as Amad has all season.
“It’s not hate or toxicity to expect more from a player with that level of talent.
“And if you’re happy with Amad’s output this season, you basically don’t rate him. He CAN and he SHOULD be doing much more than this.
“You can dribble past the whole team but, without end product, what’s the point? This isn’t street football.”
A third commented: “I love Amad, don’t get me wrong, but the great Sir Alex Ferguson never waited for a loss before he made changes.
“There is no way he lets a player start game after game without an assist or goal. The front three against Palace must be Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko.”
A fourth explained: “I’ve always said Amad is really good technically. He’s a great player. But when it comes to decision-making in key moments, he’s honestly the worst. It drives me insane because he gets into such good positions but does nothing. He needs to be dropped.”
Amad has contributed just two goals and three assists in his 22 appearances this term.
United return to action at home against Crystal Palace on 1 March.
Topics: Manchester United, Football, Premier League, Michael Carrick
Luke Davies