We called him to the first-team because we believe he’s perfect replacement for Amad and he’ll better in that particular position”: Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim has promoted an academy star who’s regarded as the next Lionel Messi to the club first-team due to lack of quality in Amad’s position. THAT KID HAS BEEN FANTASTIC IN U23 AND RUBEN HAS DECIDED TO GIVE HIM A CHANCE

Manchester United Promotes Academy Star to First Team as Amad’s Replacement

Manchester United will have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key attacking players, Amad Diallo. The team was already struggling to find the back of the net before injuries further weakened their attacking options. With Amad now sidelined, United’s offensive challenges could worsen.

At just 22, Amad has been a standout performer in an otherwise difficult campaign for the Red Devils. He has continued to develop his game and has contributed nine goals across all competitions—matching Bruno Fernandes as the team’s joint top-scorer. His absence leaves a significant gap in the squad, meaning other attackers must step up to keep United’s attacking threat alive.

Finding Amad’s Replacement

Head coach Ruben Amorim now faces the difficult task of replacing Amad’s unique style of play, particularly with an important match against Everton at Goodison Park approaching. Amorim has hinted at potential solutions, with two players in contention to fill the void.

In last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, United made four changes to their starting XI. Joshua Zirkzee was deployed alongside Alejandro Garnacho in an attacking midfield role. Despite the team’s struggles in front of goal, both players showed glimpses of quality. With more attacking options off the bench, United might have been able to salvage at least a draw.

Following the match, Amorim praised Zirkzee’s efforts, acknowledging that while he isn’t a traditional striker, he thrives in a more creative attacking role. “Josh isn’t a natural number nine; he plays more like a 10. He’s getting stronger physically, working harder, and his pace has improved. You can see the difference in his game, and that influenced our decision,” Amorim explained.

Zirkzee’s ability to hold up play and link with midfielders fits well into Amorim’s tactical system. His movement could help create space for Rasmus Hojlund to exploit, making United’s attack more fluid.

An Alternative Solution: Patrick Dorgu

However, Zirkzee is not the only candidate to step in. If Amorim prefers someone who closely mirrors Amad’s style, he may turn to Patrick Dorgu. Originally signed as a left wing-back, Dorgu has experience playing on the right flank for Lecce, where he scored three league goals from that position earlier this season.

Amorim’s system relies on a left-footed attacker to provide different passing options and add unpredictability to the attack. Losing Amad isn’t just about missing a goal threat—it also removes his ability to cut inside from the right and link play creatively. Amorim recognizes this and is looking for ways to adjust.

“If you examine Dorgu’s history, he has played a lot on the right. We need wingers who can switch sides, similar to how Diogo Dalot does. Sometimes, a left-footer on the right can cut inside and combine in unique ways, while a right-footer can deliver more crosses into the box,” Amorim noted.

A Tactical Dilemma

Deploying Dorgu as a forward presents a potential issue. United has long been searching for a natural left wing-back, and now that they have one, shifting him to an attacking role could create problems elsewhere. If Dorgu moves forward, the team may have to rely on Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui playing out of position in defense, leading to further imbalances.

As United approaches the final stretch of the season, Amorim faces key tactical decisions. Whether he opts for Zirkzee’s hold-up play or Dorgu’s ability to cut inside, finding a way to replace Amad’s impact will be crucial if Manchester United hopes to finish

the season on a high note.