Amad: Rio Ferdinand strongly pushes back against criticism of “wonderful” Man United star | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has launched a defence of Amad, firing back at the forward’s critics this season.

Amad still getting used to wing-back role

For large parts of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at United so far, the Portuguese coach has primarily deployed Amad in a right-wing-back role.

Naturally a winger by trade, it has been a big adjustment for Amad, especially due to him shouldering more defensive responsibilities.

But, he remains as influential as ever in attack, with the Ivorian particularly striking a deadly partnership with Bryan Mbeumo. Amad has been crucial to United’s resurgence over the past few weeks. However, calls for him to play higher up the pitch have not gone away completely.

The pressure to deploy him closer to goal intensified after his defensive mishap, which saw Nottingham Forest breach Senne Lammens’ goal during last weekend’s 2-2 draw.

Amad also scored the goal that drew United level at the City Ground.

At times this term, Amad has been harshly criticised and Ferdinand has now swung to the player’s defence.

Ferdinand defends Amad

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the ex-England international said, “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.”

“I just think he’s a wonderful footballer.”

Ferdinand added, “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.”

Away from Amad, Ferdinand predicted that United will finish in the top six this season.

Aiming a dig at his co-host and Arsenal supporter Joel Beya, Ferdinand noted, “It’s just being realistic, which is hard for some Arsenal fans to be, which I understand, but I think we’ll finish top six based on what I’m seeing right now. And I’ll be content with that, massively.”

United currently lie in eighth place in the Premier League table, level on points with Tottenham Hotspur in sixth. The Red Devils are eight points adrift of log leaders Arsenal.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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