Newly announced interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick holds a relationship with Amad dating back years and has already made his impression of the player well-known
Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick and Amad have already made their feelings on one another perfectly clear(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick's return to Manchester United has been confirmed, reviving his past connections with some among the current squad. One of those familiar faces will be Amad, who was part of Carrick's group during his second stint as caretaker coach in late 2021.
Amad, 23, spent the first half of the 2021/22 campaign at Old Trafford after joining United from Atalanta that summer. Carrick was part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom staff at the time of the forward's arrival but eventually left in December 2021 following Ralf Rangnick's appointment as interim chief.
The 2008 Champions League-winner arrives back at Carrington under similar circumstances himself. Except he's had more interaction with Amad during his time away from United following the player's loan spell at Sunderland.
And the pair found themselves on opposing sides of a north-east derby when the Black Cats beat Carrick's Middlesbrough 2-0 in January 2023. Amad got on the score sheet to settle the score line in that clash, leading to adulation from his former assistant coach.
"He does what he does," said Carrick at the time. "He’s really talented, Amad. Good in tight spaces and does what he does with the ball.
"For the goal, that’s what he brings and I think that’s what he’s maybe brought a bit more is his end product from when I knew him when he was a little bit younger a couple of years ago. He’s doing really well."
Amad holds up his hand
Amad is believed to be available for selection against Manchester City on Saturday after returning from the AFCON(Image: Getty Images)
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Carrick went on to say he knew Amad "very well" due to their shared United history and described him as a "terrific footballer." Perhaps most complimentary of all, however, was the coach's perspective that the Ivorian had "jumped up a level again" since he last saw the player close up.
Amad had already been gushing in his praise of Carrick and the legacy he established at Old Trafford. Following his move to United in early 2021, the trickster was content switching shirt numbers to 16 from his favoured No. 19 due to the fact it had been worn by club legends like Carrick and Roy Keane.
However, only one of those names made it into Amad's tribute as he said: "When I was told that I was getting the No. 16 shirt, I was happy because I know that Michael Carrick had previously worn that shirt for a long time and so it is a number worn by a legend of the club. So I have to respect the number and the players who wore it before me."
Michael Carrick Manchester United Assistand manager shakes hands and encourages Amad Diallo as he prepares to make his debut during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Real Sociedad and Manchester United
Amad previously worked under Carrick when he was assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
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It could be viewed as another mark or respect that Amad has stuck with the No. 16 ever since. That's despite the fact his more senior status in the squad has likely produced opportunities to change should he desire.
Amad is expected to be available for Saturday's Manchester derby after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. The Ivory Coast were knocked out of the tournament following a 3-2 loss to Egypt, releasing the forward to get back to his domestic duties.
Ruben Amorim had consistently deployed Amad in a right wing-back role prior to his AFCON departure, which has seen him miss United's last six games. All eyes are on Carrick and what tactics he'll utilise for his debut against Manchester City, but it's clear Amad is one player seemingly in his good books ahead of the big date.