Amad’s future at Old Trafford has been a talking point but he’s sent a clear message
Manchester United star Amad scored the winner as Ivory Coast defeated France ahead of the World Cup.(Image: (Photo by Loic VENANCE / AFP via Getty Images))
Manchester United star Amad sent a clear message to Michael Carrick that he’s ready to make a mark on the Reds next season, after scoring the winner for the Ivory Coast against France in their World Cup warm-up. The United forward struggled for goals and assists last season, but scored a beauty last night.
The Elephants came from behind to beat the favourites for this summer’s World Cup after Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki opened the scoring just before the half-time interval.
France fielded a strong side, but still rested several PSG stars after their Champions League triumph, allowing Cherki to stake his claim for a starting spot.
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He duly delivered, dancing inside two defenders and drilled the ball into the bottom corner from 18-yards out.
Guele Doue equalised for Emerse Faé’s side after the hlaf-time break, with Amad scoring a brilliant first-time finish in the 84th minute.
Doue turned provider, whipping in an excellend deliver from the right-hand side of the pitch, and Amad caressed the ball into the bottom corner.
Amad was one of the players who impressed following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, scoring 11 goals and notching ten assists in 2024-24.
Amad.(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
However, the Ivorian struggled to replicate that form last season, and did not register a goal contribution in 2026 until the final day of the season.
He set up Bryan Mbeumo for United’s second goal in a 3-0 win against Brighton. Carrick was forced to defend Amad from criticism earlier that month, claiming he was playing well despite his lack of end product.
“I actually think he is playing well,” Carrick explained. “There is an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team like he has, to worry about numbers.
“He gives the team so much. He has got so much talent. His work ethic and attitude is fantastic. He has played different roles at times. I’m a big fan.
“It was unfortunate we had to change things tactically the other night, because that was purely why he came off.
“But he has given this team an awful lot. It is about the underbelly of what goes into a performance and not always what the headline grabs.”
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