More than three years after his £37m arrival at Manchester United, Amad Dilemma finds himself in a situation strikingly similar to his initial days at the club. Despite showing promise and being the first player in English football to secure a governing body endorsement in the post-Brexit transfer market, Amad is still waiting for his breakthrough moment at Old Trafford.
Injuries and Loan Misfortunes:
Amad’s journey has been marred by ill-timed injuries and loan misfortunes. A season-long loan in the 2021-22 season was thwarted by a thigh injury, and a move to Rangers in January 2022 saw limited playing time after a challenging half in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.
Promising Signs:
There have been glimpses of Amad’s potential, notably during a 10-game starting run at Sunderland in the Championship, where he impressively scored six goals. However, injuries and limited opportunities have hindered his progress at Manchester United.
Managerial Loyalties:
Despite managerial changes, loyalty to certain players lingers. While Antony has had starting privileges revoked by current manager Erik ten Hag, Amad’s opportunities have been sporadic. Facundo Pellistri, another teenage right-sided winger signed on the same transfer deadline day in October 2020, was allowed to return to Spain on loan.
Current Scenario:
With Ten Hag considering every game as a “final,” the prospect of starting a player who hasn’t featured for over two years seems unlikely. Amad has had three substitute appearances since recovering from a knee injury in late December, while Antony has enjoyed three starts in the same period.
The Need for Breakthrough:
As Manchester United faces an injury crisis and looks for creative solutions, fans and pundits alike are questioning why Amad hasn’t been given a more significant role. The 21-year-old winger, despite passing his assignment at Sunderland, is yet to prove his worth in the Premier League.
Conclusion:
Amad’s journey at Manchester United has been a tale of untapped potential, thwarted opportunities, and persistent injuries. As the club navigates through a challenging season, the question remains whether Amad will finally get his breakthrough moment and fulfill the promise he showed when he first arrived at Old Trafford.
