Amad's goals for Ivory Coast hint at a new central role for Man United

Amad Diallo’s composed finish to seal Ivory Coast’s victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia has reignited discussion about where the 23-year-old fits at Manchester United — and whether his best position at club level might not be the right wing at all.

The forward came off the bench after being left out of the starting XI, with teenager Yan Diomande preferred on the right flank. When Amad entered the pitch, he frequently drifted through the middle, and his goal — a first-time sweep from a low cutback — was his fifth in nine international appearances since the Africa Cup of Nations began in December. It was a reminder of a finishing instinct that his Premier League numbers, two goals and four assists in 32 appearances last season, have not fully reflected.

Both of his recent goals for Ivory Coast have arrived from central positions, converting low crosses from the right. That pattern echoes his time on loan at Sunderland, where he operated as a false nine under Michael Carrick and was a consistent scorer in the Championship. Carrick, now in charge at United, defended Amad publicly towards the end of the season, urging critics to look beyond the statistics and consider his broader contribution to a winning side.

The emergence of Diomande as a genuine competitor for the right-wing berth — the 19-year-old impressed on his World Cup debut — may accelerate a positional rethink. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae used Nicolas Pepe, 31, as the No. 10 against Ecuador, a role Amad could realistically inherit at international level and potentially replicate at club level. He could also operate on the left, where 20-year-old Bazoumana Toure started.

At United, Amad is part of a front line that already includes Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both of whom can cover all three attacking positions. The club is also reported to be exploring further additions to the attack. Whether Amad ends up as the long-term answer through the middle or on either flank, his World Cup form has at least broadened the conversation about how Carrick might use him — and strengthened the case that his ceiling at Old Trafford has not yet been reached.