Amad and Bryan Mbeumo were two of Manchester United’s best players in the Derby win over City.
Manchester United pair Amad and Bryan Mbeumo provided a gift for new head coach Michael Carrick through their availability for his opening match in charge.
Both players had been away representing their countries at AFCON before well-timed quarter-final exits led to their Derby availability.
Their availability was a great bonus for Carrick, while also presenting a dilemma, over how to fit the duo both into the same team.
Without a wing-back role, there was a fear that both Amad and Mbeumo would be competing for the same right-wing spot.
We took a look at five different ways both players could be used in the same line-up…
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo celebrate
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Amad is now worth ___________
Fill in the blank!
Amad Diallo celebrates against Bournemouth
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
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Carrick decided on both
One of the ways we noted that United could line up with both was to drop Benjamin Sesko, and play Mbeumo up front, and Amad on the wing.
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This seemed perhaps the most unlikely due to Sesko’s form, yet this was the bold call the manager went with.
Carrick’s call was unfortunate for Sesko, yet it spoke to an instant realisation that Carrick made in just a few days: Manchester United are a better team when Amad and Mbeumo are in it, whatever the cost.
It’s possible that Carrick has another trick up his sleeve for when United take on Arsenal at the weekend, where Sesko could be recalled to the line-up.
But if this does happen, we still expect Amad and Mbeumo to be in the line-up, just in another way.
Both players were integral to United’s victory against City, picking up largely where they left off before their AFCON commitments.
Mbeumo is United’s top scorer with eight goals this season, while Amad has deserved a lot more than the two he has to his name.
What should be Manchester United’s front three against Arsenal?
Only three can start…. who are you picking?
Amad
Benjamin Sesko
Bryan Mbeumo
Joshua Zirkzee
Matheus Cunha
Mason Mount
Shea Lacey
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo celebrate
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
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Amad was among hardest working players on the pitch
Data released by Sky Sports showed that four Manchester United players set season highs for the distance covered off the ball, in the 90 minutes against City.
Amad was one of them. He covered a total 7km against City, showing his determination to give absolutely everything for his team.
This is likely to be a big factor in Amad retaining his place in the Manchester United starting line-up this weekend.
United will have to dig deep at The Emirates, and Amad’s combination of work rate and skill make him an integral part of Michael Carrick’s plans.
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