Manchester United could hand Amad a starting role at right-wing-back against Arsenal, but Ruben Amorim may also rotate once more as he leans on his new attacking options. After a summer spree that brought Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to Old Trafford for a combined £210million, Amorim is expected to prioritise a potent front three this season, with Sesko spearheading the attack after a patient introduction.
Amad, who impressed last term, appears to be in the mix to operate as a right wing-back in certain fixtures, especially when United face teams that sit deep and invite pressure. Amorim has stressed that Sesko will need time to adapt to England and to the Premier League, pushing Cunha and Mbeumo to shoulder more of the goalscoring workload in the early stages of the campaign.
Amad’s involvement at wing-back would be aimed at unlocking space and providing creativity in transitions, particularly in matches where United need to break down compact defenses. Yet Amorim will have to balance this with defensive duties, as the role demands tracking runs from opponents on the opposite flank.
Diogo Dalot is also in the mix and could start against Arsenal, offering greater defensive solidity while still providing dangerous crosses for Sesko, who stands 6ft 5in and is expected to be a focal point in the box. If Amad starts, the manager may have to juggle between his forward line and wing-back duties to maintain balance.
Defensively, United are likely to lineup with a back three of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, with wing-backs providing width. The clash at Old Trafford is set to be a tactical test for Amorim: how to harness the pace and creativity of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko while ensuring enough protection for the backline against Arsenal’s attacking threats.
What to watch:
– Whether Amad starts at right-wing-back or is used more as an impact option off the bench.
– How Cunha and Mbeumo adapt to the heavier responsibility of carrying the goalscoring load alongside Sesko.
– Dalot’s involvement as a stable defensive outlet and his contribution with crosses for Sesko.
– Arsenal’s expected dominance of possession and how United counter with pace on the break.
Summary: United look set to lean on a high-octane front line, with Amorim weighing a flexible approach that could see Amad used as a wing-back in certain games. The balance between attack and defense will be crucial as Arsenal pose a stern early-season test. A decision on the starting XI is imminent, and the result could hinge on how quickly Sesko settles and how effectively Cunha and Mbeumo convert their chances.
Optional add-on: A brief note for readers who follow team news closely—watch for any last-minute tweaks to the formation on matchday, as Amorim has shown willingness to adapt his system to the opponent and the fitness of key players. If you’re tracking bets or fantasy picks, keep an eye on Amad’s involvement as a potential differential in games that favor his creative profile.