Man Utd 'genius' who Ruben Amorim was accused of wasting has made Michael Carrick plea

Ruben Amorim was criticised for wasting this Manchester United prospect but that has changed since Michael Carrick became manager at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim stood accused of squandering the "genius" of Amad Diallo. This is a stark contrast to the player's fortunes since Michael Carrick took charge.

During his five years at Old Trafford, Ivorian forward Amad has undertaken two loan spells, including one at Sunderland, where he will return with his current side on Saturday. It has been a turbulent journey, having played under three different permanent United managers, yet the 23-year-old has never stopped showing his potential.

When Amorim arrived, Amad was a key figure in the squad, but the Portuguese boss, frequently criticised for his rigid tactical approach, chose to deploy Amad as a wing-back. While the youngster adapted to the role, his manager faced accusations of stifling his natural attacking ability.

Amorim was relieved of his duties in January, with Carrick stepping in as interim boss, and United have since secured Champions League football for next season following a remarkable turnaround. But just how has Amad performed throughout all of this?

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Concerns surrounding Amorim's use of Amad were first raised in September 2025 by Tony Mowbray, who had managed the Ivorian during his Championship loan spell at Sunderland between 2022 and 2023.

Speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, the 61-year-old said: "Why would you be so stuck on one system and trying to force Amad as a right wing-back? Amad who's a brilliant footballer, Man United class I would suggest. I speak to Gary Pallister a lot about this when we sit and have coffee near my street most days. Amad, he's a genius."

Under Carrick, however, things have shifted considerably. The former Middlesbrough boss favours a back four, meaning Amad has been restored to his more advanced position on the right flank. He started all six of Carrick's opening matches in charge this season, featuring in four victories, and has appeared in every fixture since the interim manager took over.

In recent weeks, he has been used as an impact substitute to see out games. Competition for places remains fierce, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha both capable of operating from the right. Yet Amad continues to thrive in what Mowbray and most consider his natural position, even if he doesn't start every match and is still awaiting his first goal under his new boss.

He told Sky Sports this week, with a return to the Stadium of Light on the horizon: "I enjoy a lot playing with him [Carrick]. Honestly, he's a good guy, talking with everyone, having good relationships with every player.

"That is something that helps a lot. I think the biggest change maybe is because the team is now more impactful. In the dressing room, we are really together, every mistake is not a problem, your mistake is my mistake.

"We are a team that doesn't care if you make a mistake, you go again, so we go forward, we want to win as a team. That's something that changed the team, and I think it's also because of Carrick and his staff, don't forget also Trav (coach Travis Binnion), and the other staff.

"They are really important for the team, and they bring that kind of energy to the team, and that is very important. Everyone is happy to have him as manager. Everyone is with him... we will be happy if we have him next season as manager."