Amad Diallo disappoints in Manchester United’s victory over Brentford.

Manchester United triumphed over Brentford in a match that was more contested than expected, but one star of the Red Devils left much to be desired and raised serious questions: Amad Diallo was completely out of sync and failed to make an impact in attack.

Right at the start of the match, Casemiro opened the scoring with a lethal header from a set piece, putting United in the lead. Brentford, despite creating numerous opportunities in the first half, could not convert, and a quick counter-attack allowed Benjamin Sesko to double the lead to 2-0, igniting euphoria at Old Trafford. However, Mathias Jensen’s goal in the second half brought some hope for the visitors, who pressed until the end, but to no avail.

The biggest issue for Manchester United was not the opponent, but rather Amad Diallo’s lackluster performance. With Matheus Cunha confirmed absent due to physical issues that kept him off the pitch, Michael Carrick opted for an attacking line featuring Benjamin Sesko in the center, flanked by Matheus Mbeumo and Amad on the wings. Interestingly, and contrary to what had been customary, the young Ivorian international was placed on the left wing, a decision that ultimately proved ineffective.

Amad, 23, had a night to forget. He missed clear opportunities and seemed completely disconnected from the game, to the point of being substituted at halftime by Noussair Mazraoui, in a tactical change that shifted the usual 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3. Samuel Luckhurst, a journalist for The Sun, did not hide his surprise at the winger’s performance: “Amad went off for Mazraoui. It was the first time Amad started on the left for Manchester United and he looked completely out of place. It’s strange how wingers can look uncomfortable in what should be their natural side.”

This display raises crucial questions about Amad’s role at United and, more broadly, about the team’s strategy for the flanks. In modern football, most wingers prefer to play as “inverted wingers,” meaning they operate on the opposite flank to their dominant foot to cut inside and shoot with their stronger foot, rather than staying wide to cross. Amad, despite being left-footed, seems to fit into this trend, which explains his difficulties in playing openly on the left.

This episode underscores the urgent need for Manchester United to strengthen the left side with a right-footed player who can take on this inverted role, especially if Michael Carrick remains reluctant to entrust this function to Mason Mount. Patrick Dorgu, a young Danish player, has shown quality in this position during the coach’s early matches against Manchester City and Arsenal, but it is still early to consider him a long-term definitive solution.

In the end, what remains is a clear message to those in charge at United: the team needs smart reinforcements on the wings to avoid repeating “strange” and disconnected performances like that of Amad Diallo. The pressure is mounting on Carrick to make surgical decisions that enhance the Red Devils’ attack and keep the team competitive in the Premier League. Fans want to see players performing at their best, and Amad, for now, has not met expectations.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.