1 assist, 7 successful duels, 5 recoveries: United wizard produces a complete performance in hard-fought draw with Spurs

Manchester United secured a last-gasp equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur as Matthijs de Ligt powered home a header from Bruno Fernandes’ corner to rescue a point for the Red Devils. But despite the late theatrics from the defender, it was Amad who shone brightest for United in north London. The Ivory Coast international offered a constant threat to Thomas Frank’s side, dazzling with the ball at his feet, while demonstrating the full repertoire of his skillset with a strong defensive showing as well. A Fantastic Forward Ruben Amorim has often utilised Amad as a right wing-back this season. But for the trip to Spurs, the Portuguese tactician moved him forward – into a front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – as Benjamin Sesko dropped to the bench. And it was a decision which paid off handsomely, as Amad set up Mbeumo to open proceedings for United with a brilliant cross that was finish with aplomb by the Cameroonian, signed from Brentford for £71 million this summer. There were some fears Mbeumo’s acquisition could reduce Amad’s presence in the side, given they play in largely the same areas, but the opposite has unfolded; the pair have combined to take United’s right-hand side to another level. United’s season will be largely defined by how often Amorim is able to find ways for Amad and Mbeumo’s burgeoning relationship to continue – and how he copes with the pair’s absence during AFCON next month. A Diligent Defender In the second half, Amorim moved Amad back into the wing-back role as Mazraoui was replaced by Sesko. But the Ivorian did not allow the positional change to change his position as United’s best player, continuing to offer a threat down the right-hand side while constantly working back to form a back five out of possession. There was much discussion last week over Amad’s role in Nottingham Forest’s opening goal, as he was beaten by Morgan Gibbs-White from a cross. There will be no such talk this weekend, however, with the 23-year-old rarely putting a foot wrong defensively in the second half. Both of Spurs’ goals had a healthy dose of luck and United were unlucky to find themselves in the position they did as the match looked poised for a disappointing end. But De Ligt’s header changes the narrative over a performance which was worthy of a draw at least and, most likely, all three points based on the balance of play. And all of United’s best work came from their outstanding Ivorian winger, whether he was played in attack or defence. The Numbers Behind the Performance As per Sofa Score, the statistics show Amad produced a complete performance today. He got the assist for the opener and produced two key passes with a passing success rate of 71%. He had 48 touches – a strong amount given United had less possession than Spurs (45% vs 55%) – and he was a constant threat every time he had the ball at his feet. But he was also successful in seven duels (aerial and ground), won two tackles, made five recoveries and one foul – not necessarily a positive, but one Amorim will undoubtedly look kindly on given the expectations the 40-year-old coach puts on his wing-backs and the fact the role does not come naturally to Amad. Amad stats vs Tottenham Hotspur StatValue Assists1 Expected Assists (xA)0.26 Key Passes2 Big Chances Created1 Accurate Passes23/31 (74%) Touches48 Tackles (Won)3 (2) Clearances1 Ground duels (won)12 (5) Aerial duels (won)3 (2) Fouls1 Recoveries5 It was a great performance from a great player – one worthy of a great result, even if he, and his team, will have to settle for only one point rather than all three. Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.