The debate continues over whether Ruben Amorim is the right man to lead Manchester United forward, with the Portuguese's handling and treatment of Kobbie Mainoo having been repeatedly questioned in recent times.
In the 40-year-old's defence, his tenure has helped to spark the rise of another young star, in the form of Amad, with the Ivorian speedster shaking off his peripheral role under Erik ten Hag to emerge as a real centrepiece of the new regime.
amad-diallo-man-utd
Indeed, it was just over a year ago that the 23-year-old had to watch on as Ten Hag turned to Antony ahead of him with United chasing the game away at Fenerbahce, with the ex-Atalanta starlet only introduced at the death after the Brazilian was forced off injured.
The Dutchman suggested that he was rewarding Antony for being "better in training", although there was a sense that he was simply playing favourites, frustratingly overlooking a player who has since racked up 21 goals and assists in just 43 games under Amorim's watch.
Amad - now set to head to AFCON - has played the fourth-most minutes of any player since the former Sporting CP took charge, as per Transfermarkt, although could his position actually be under threat heading into 2026?
Man Utd hold talks over signing Amad upgrade
The man who scored the opener in Monday's 4-4 thriller against Bournemouth, Amad jets off to international duty having started 14 Premier League games this season, operating primarily as a right wing-back, or infrequently as a number ten.
That consistent run of game time has actually only yielded two goals and two assists, however, with the £19m signing still having a way to go to really hit those heights from the flanks.
There is always room for competition and reinforcement, not least in a squad that is lacking genuine, suitable options at wing-back, hence why United appear to be stepping up their interest in Cherries star, Antoine Semenyo.
As reported earlier this week, the 25-year-old is said to be open to making the move to Old Trafford, with United weighing up whether to activate his £65m release clause in January, amid the prospect of utilising him as an attacking wing-back.
That interest has since been followed by claims from transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, with the respected insider revealing on his Youtube channel that both United - and Manchester City - have held talks "this week" to try and get a better grasp of the Ghanaian's current situation.
Time, it would appear, is off the essence, with champions Liverpool also among the clubs in the mix for his signature.
How Semenyo compares to Amad in the Premier League
As already stated, Amad has perhaps been the biggest success story of Amorim's tenure to date, notably netting key goals away at the Etihad and Anfield last season, while striking up an exciting partnership with Bryan Mbeumo down the right flank.
Amad-Diallo-Phil-Foden
That being said, however, the £120k-per-week star's defensive prowess has been called into question on numerous occasions of late, having beaten at the back post against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With his slight frame and small stature, there is a feeling that, for all his endeavour and work ethic, Amad can be got at in a defensive sense, hence why a more physical presence like Semenyo could be just what is needed.
Described as "unplayable" by journalist Ed Aarons, the versatile forward can operate on either flank, through the middle or in a wing-back berth, with his two-footed quality making him such a threat wherever he's deployed.
As per Sofascore, four of his seven league goals this season have come with his right, such as his equaliser on Monday evening, while the other three have come with his left, making him such a difficult figure to try and shackle for the opposition.
Amad-Semenyo-stats
Not only bettering Amad for goals, Semenyo also edges the Ivorian with regard to assists (three), with pundit Chris Waddle now of the opinion that he is the "best winger in the country".
Such quality was also evident last season under Andoni Iraola, as the ex-Bristol City man registered 16 goal involvements in the league, again bettering Amad's own return back at Old Trafford (14).
Most Goals & Assists - 25/26 PL
Player
Erling Haaland
Bruno Fernandes
Igor Thiago
Antoine Semenyo
Phil Foden
Morgan Rogers
Hugo Ekitike
Pedro Neto
Harry Wilson
Richarlison
via FBref
The beauty two of Semenyo's talents is that he can combine this relentless attacking threat with a vital defensive contribution, notably ranking in the top 4% of Premier League wingers for aerial duels won per 90 this season, as per FBref, having also been dribbled past just 0.7 times per game, as per Sofascore.
For comparison, Amad averages just 0.67 aerial duels won, far below Semenyo's 2.60 average, having been dribbled past 0.9 times per game in 2025/26.
Of course, there is the prospect of deploying Amad one side, with the £65m man on the other, although if Amorim is looking for a more balanced approach to make it a straight fight between the pair, should a deal be struck, it would seemingly be Semenyo who comes out on top.
Kobbie-Mainoo-Man-Utd-Amorim Related
Man Utd star was treated like Mainoo, now he's as undroppable as Fernandes
One Manchester United star has shown their could be light at the end of the tunnel for Kobbie Mainoo...