Manchester United will have to complete the remainder of the season without one of their most promising young attackers, Amad Diallo. This is a significant setback for a team that has already struggled to score goals consistently. With Amad now unavailable, their offensive issues could worsen as they seek alternative solutions in attack.
At just 22 years old, Amad has been one of the few positives in what has been a challenging campaign for the club. His growth as a player has been evident, contributing nine goals across all competitions. This tally places him alongside Bruno Fernandes as United’s joint top scorer this season. His absence means others within the squad will need to step up and take on a greater share of the attacking responsibility.
United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, now faces a difficult task in restructuring the team’s attacking setup. With an important fixture against Everton at Goodison Park on the horizon, he must quickly determine the best way to compensate for Amad’s absence. Amorim has already hinted at possible alternatives, with two players emerging as potential replacements.
In United’s recent loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the team experimented with different tactical adjustments. Joshua Zirkzee was positioned alongside Alejandro Garnacho in an advanced midfield role. While the overall team performance left much to be desired, both players put in commendable individual displays. The lack of attacking reinforcements from the bench may have played a role in United’s inability to turn the game in their favor.
Following the match, Amorim spoke highly of Zirkzee, acknowledging that while he is not a traditional center-forward, he is well-suited to an attacking midfield role. The Dutch forward’s strength, work rate, and improved pace make him a valuable asset in United’s attack. His ability to hold up the ball and link play effectively complements Rasmus Hojlund’s playing style, offering the team a different attacking dynamic.
Another player Amorim could turn to is Patrick Dorgu. Though primarily a left wing-back, Dorgu has experience playing as a right winger during his time at Lecce, where he scored three league goals this season. His ability to cut inside from the right flank and combine with teammates could bring a new attacking dimension, something Amad excelled at. Amorim understands the tactical advantages of deploying a left-footed player on the right side, as it allows for better passing angles and creative interplay in the attacking third.
However, shifting Dorgu to a more advanced position presents its own challenges. United has long struggled to find a dependable left wing-back, and now that they have one, repurposing him as a forward could leave gaps in the defense. Should Amorim decide to move Dorgu further up the pitch, he may have to rely on Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui to cover at left wing-back, which could create additional tactical concerns.
As the season nears its conclusion, Amorim faces critical decisions to ensure United remains competitive despite Amad’s absence. Whether Zirkzee or Dorgu takes on a greater attacking role, the team must find a way to maintain their offensive threat. If they are to finish the campaign on a strong note, they must adapt quickly and make the most of their available attacking options.
