Valencia backs Amad to thrive under Carrick — then watches him score the winner

Antonio Valencia’s endorsement of Amad Diallo aged well within hours: the former Manchester United right-back publicly backed his old club’s winger to flourish under Michael Carrick, then watched Amad come off the bench and score a 90th-minute winner as Ivory Coast defeated Ecuador 1-0 in their Copa America Group E opener in Philadelphia.

Valencia, who made 339 appearances for United between 2009 and 2019 before retiring in 2021, told Spanish-language outlet Hajper that he believes Amad’s best position under Carrick could be at right-back. “I like what Amad is doing as a right-sided defender,” the 40-year-old said. “He is a strong player, and he tries to attack with a lot of intelligence. As the years have gone by, he has kept improving his way of playing. Now, under Carrick, I think it can be a very good season for him.”

Amad, 23, joined United from Atalanta in 2021 and has been one of the club’s more consistent performers in recent seasons. Valencia also highlighted the winger’s emotional connection to the club as a key asset. “He is a player who is very passionate about Manchester [United]. He has been at the club for a long time and those are the kinds of players [they] need.”

Ecuador will feel hard done by after striking the woodwork three times in Philadelphia, but they were unable to convert their chances before Amad settled the contest with a sucker punch in the final minute.

Valencia also offered warm words for Carrick, who was formally appointed as permanent United manager last month after steering the club to a third-place Premier League finish and back into the Champions League during an interim spell. “I sent him a message wishing him success,” Valencia said. “Carrick is someone I respect and care about a lot. I wished him success as a coach, and I think it has gone well for him.”

The Ecuadorian legend did not rule out a return to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity, saying he would take any role at the club out of affection. “Manchester United is a club that gave me so much. My family was very happy there. I would work for Manchester United in any role, out of passion. It is a club I love a lot.”