Amad solves positional problem for Ruben Amorim – Weekly Takeaway

Manchester United beat Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim secured his first victory at the club since taking over the club.

Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee will no doubt get the headlines for their braces, but it was Amad who was the standout at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, reinforcing Ruben Amorim’s decision to utilise him as a wing-back rather than in the front three.

A dominant performance both on and off the ball, getting two assists, creating three chances, as well as winning 11 ground duels and winning three fouls. No Manchester United player completed more take-ons, won more tackles or created more chances than Amad yesterday. His work rate and pressing alone got United their second and fourth goals against Everton, forcing errors from the opposition defence high up the pitch before Zirkzee finished both chances.

Despite a very positive performance last week against Ipswich, many United fans, me included, were sceptical about Amorim’s choice to use him as a wing-back in the new system, as a player of his quality needs to be in the final third as much as possible, creating chances and getting shots off.

However, today showed how useful he can be as a wide player, as he ends up much more involved in the play, being able to build up, carry the ball, create, shoot, and combine with the multiple players in his close proximity. The defensive side of his game has been surprisingly good as well, but having Mazraoui covering him gives him the license to show fans what he can do.

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After Amorim’s arrival, there were questions about how a lot of players would fit in the 3-4-3 system, but Amad has quickly solidified his role in the side, solving one of many potential issues after only three games.

A positive afternoon, two goals each from Rashford and Zirkzee, two assists each from Amad and Bruno Fernandes, and another clean sheet, but not the best performance by a long shot, but definitely something to build on. Clinical in front of goal compared to their usual standards, but can’t help but feel United could have punished Everton more and been a bit more dominant, but that’s if we’re being really picky.

A big week ahead for United, who travel to Arsenal on Wednesday evening, looking to continue on our seven game unbeaten streak, before hosting high-flying Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday. With Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez now suspended for the midweek game, it will be interesting to see how we shape up, and hopefully Amorim will have a better record in big away games than his predecessor Erik Ten Hag.