Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is being criticised for how he is deploying one of the club's brightest talents, Amad.
The Ivorian is regarded as one of United's most skilful players, as his dribbling and playmaking attributes make him a constant threat in the final third.
Despite breaking through as a right-winger, Amad has typically operated from the right wing-back position for United since Amorim took charge at Old Trafford nine months ago.
Due to the United boss favouring the use of the 3-4-2-1 formation, there is no room for natural wingers and leaves players such as Amad in a tough spot.
They either have to play as a wing-back, which requires a fair share of defensive work, or they must play as one of the two number 10s behind the striker.
However, the latter option can be a detriment to less physical players such as Amad because opposition central midfielders can overpower them, while the centre of the pitch is more crowded compared to out wide.
Amad's appearances in United's opening two Premier League matches have come from right wing-back, with new signings Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha now occupying the number 10 roles further up the pitch.
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Amorim called out for his current utilisation of Amad
Amorim's formation choice has come in for heavy criticism from United fans and pundits due to the limitations it puts on key players, such as Amad.
Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, who coached Amad when the player was on loan with The Black Cats during the 2022/23 season, is not a fan of how Amorim is utilising the 23-year-old at this moment.
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"Why would you be so stuck on one system and try force Amad as right wing-back? Amad, who's a brilliant footballer, Manchester United class," he said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
Mowbray continued to praise the Ivorian's ability and struggled to find sense in him being asked to play a more defensive role.
"I had him at Sunderland and he was a genius. I talk about not having to look at the ball. The ball stuck to his left feet."
"He's a brilliant player and a brilliant human being, and you play him at wing-back just to fit into your system?," he added.
Amad would likely look more comfortable in a formation that included roles for traditional wingers.
However, he is not going to get that sort of opportunity in a United shirt anytime soon as Amorim is committed to developing The Red Devils using his favoured 3-4-2-1 set-up.
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