Rio Ferdinand strongly disagrees with Gary Lineker's complaint about Amad at Man Utd

Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand have conflicting views of Amad’s current standing at Manchester United after his performance against Nottingham Forest.

After Manchester United drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, Gary Lineker complained about Amad playing wing-back.

“And Amad was probably a really good example of that [the problems with the system],” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast this week.

“You could see the positives of his game, but also the fact that he’s not a defender and he’s been asked to play as a wing-back and he’s not a wing-back; he’s a winger or a forward.”

Rio Ferdinand has disagreed with Lineker’s verdict on Amad, instead focusing on the positives.

Rio Ferdinand disagrees with Gary Lineker over Amad playing wing-back

Despite Lineker implying that Amad sums up United’s unsuitability to play Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. However, speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, the legendary defender had a different view.

“I think we get too caught up in what players can’t do. He is giving us so much going forward. His partnership and his telepathy with [Bryan] Mbeumo.

“For what he’s giving you going forward and what he’s giving the opposition winger, they are having to chase him half the time. That’s what you want, them on the back foot.

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“I just think he’s a wonderful footballer.

“Would he be better as a right winger? I think he would be, but that’s not detracting away from what he’s doing. I think he’s just what this team need in this position right now.”

Amad isn’t a natural wing-back; however, to suggest he hasn’t performed well in the position would be crazy, and Ferdinand is therefore in the right.

Amad at wing-back is risk vs reward for Manchester United

Amad is not a perfect wing-back, and his lack of physicality and defensive quality will continue to be a problem; however, it is a risk vs reward scenario for Amorim.

Amad and Mbeumo do have an excellent partnership, which is only in its infancy with lots more to come, and this alone is worth persisting with the occasional defensive mishap.

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Where should Amad be playing for Manchester United?

United’s right side is far and away the more dangerous of the two sides, with teams sensing the threat from Amad and Mbeumo.

However, this has meant opponents focus defensive efforts on that side, with the left side less of a concern.

Amad will only improve at wing-back, and when the right side is a balanced threat, he will have even more space to work in.

So in time, Lineker’s comments should age poorly.

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