Ruben Amorim used Amad as a right-wing-back at Ipswich. (Image: GETTY)
won’t want to play as a right-wing-back despite his promising start in the new role against , according to former winger Lee Sharpe. The 22-year-old forward assisted 80th-second opening goal, sparking hope that he can adapt to his new boss’ demands.
However, Sharpe, who spent eight years marauding the flanks for United, is unconvinced that Amad will be happy to shoulder more defensive responsibilities in the long term.
“Amad looked good at right-wing-back. But I’m not sure, as a winger, it’s going to be his favourite position, wing-back, because it can be a bit thankless at times,” Sharpe told Express Sport with Racing Tipster.
“You tend to get the ball in defensive positions with a couple of opponents ready to take the ball off you. So it’s a difficult position to play as a winger and then go back as a wing-back.”
Despite his skepticism about Amad’s suitability, Sharpe pointed out that, having been left frustrated by a bit-part role under , the United No. 16 will grasp any opportunity he gets.
He added: “I don’t think any winger really wants to play wing-back because you’re doing two roles.
“We used to work our socks off and double back with full-backs, but you didn’t have the responsibility of taking care of the winger, the wide man.
“But that shouldn’t happen in an organised back three because when the ball is down your side, then the centre-back should come out and play full back, and the other two centre-backs shuffle across.
Ruben Amorim has given players new roles. (Image: Getty)
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“So I’m sure once he’s got his feet under the table and he’s got them working as he wants to, then it won’t be a bad position for him.
“If it means he plays every week, then I’m sure he won’t complain too much, but it can be a bit thankless when you get the ball in more defensive positions than attacking positions.
“But that’s obviously up to a good coach to sort that out and make sure that his strengths come out attacking-wise.”
While Amad impressed Sharpe in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Portman Road, the ex-Red Devils man was left questioning whether three of Amorim’s starters have a future under his watch.
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“I think there have just been a couple of questions asked from the start of this season, maybe, maybe leaking into the end of last season,” Sharpe explained.
“Casemiro and Eriksen’s legs and whether they can get around the pitch with the pace of the game these days [is a concern].
“I think Ugarte and Mainoo might be the two midfielders eventually, but he [Amorim] went with a bit of experience and went with the players that probably hadn’t been away on international duty.
“But yeah, I think we lacked a little bit of legs in midfield. And, it’s really early to judge, but, again, Rashford was very quiet up front, apart from his goal.”