Amad silences his critics with World Cup goal and assist after dismal United season

Amad has wasted little time answering his doubters at the World Cup, scoring a match-winning goal for Ivory Coast against Ecuador and earning a starting berth against Germany — a sharp contrast to a forgettable club campaign with Manchester United.

The 23-year-old managed only two goals and four assists across all competitions for United last season, drawing sharp criticism. But he has looked a different player on the international stage, arriving off the bench in Ivory Coast’s opener to curl home a first-time left-footed finish that settled a 1-0 victory over Ecuador.

“It’s a lot of emotions — first match at the World Cup and my first goal,” Amad said after the win. “But that’s not my goal; that’s to help the team and help the group move forward.”

His performance earned him a start against Germany, where Ivory Coast were unfortunate to lose 2-1. They led 1-0 at half-time — a goal Amad helped create — and he fashioned several clear chances at the start of the second half that went begging. Germany equalised with 20 minutes remaining and snatched the winner in the sixth minute of added time, a result that flattered the European side.

The displays have drawn comparisons to Amad’s 2024/25 season — his best in a United shirt — when he reached double figures for goals and assists and was widely regarded as the club’s most influential player for long stretches of the campaign.

One tactical detail that stands out is Amad’s effectiveness when drifting into central positions against both Ecuador and Germany, which raises questions about how Michael Carrick might deploy him next season. He has prior experience operating through the middle from a successful loan spell at Sunderland, and with Benjamin Sesko unlikely to be available for every fixture in a 60-plus-game season, Amad presents a credible option as a false nine or No.10.