6 dribbles completed, 7 duels won: United ace proves his countrys saviour at the World Cup

Amad gave Manchester United fans a reminder of his qualities against Ecuador on Sunday, 14 June, in the group stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ivorian winger is coming off a mixed campaign for the Red Devils, during which he was not at his productive best in the final third. Amad started the 2025/26 season as a right wing-back in former head coach Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and was quite impressive. The 23 year old did occasionally play higher up on the pitch, but made the permanent switch to the attack following the arrival of Michael Carrick. Amad ended the season with two goals and four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. Amad Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3227242-2,346′ EFL Cup11—-82′ FA Cup——- Total3328242-2,428′ Source: Transfermarkt. The Ivorian’s future has been subject to speculation ahead of the summer, but a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United have him firmly in their plans. Amad is part of the Ivory Coast’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and he ensured a fantastic debut in the mega tournament this week. Amad started from the bench Amad was on the bench for Wednesday’s group stage tie, with manager Emerse Fae opting to start Bazoumana Toure ahead of him. The Hoffenheim man is reportedly a target for the Red Devils, who are looking to upgrade their attack this summer. However, it was Ecuador who looked the stronger side in the first half and even hit the crossbar twice within the first 30 minutes. The Elephants did look threatening in parts, with Yan Diomande, who also has admirers at Old Trafford, regularly stretching the opposition backline but lacking the end product. Elye Wahi came close to scoring for Ivory Coast after the break, with his attempt also hitting the crossbar, before Fae opted to bring on Amad in place of Toure. The Red Devils man helped spark fire into his team and ultimately proved to be their saviour. In the 90th minute, Amad side-footed Wilfried Singo’s square ball into the back of the net to send his team into frenzied celebrations. The result ended Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run and also ensured that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is yet to see a 0-0 draw. While Yan Diomande won the man of the match award for his performance, it was Amad who proved to be the game changer. The United forward will now be pushing for a place in the starting XI for the upcoming group-stage tie against Germany. Stats prove Amad’s importance for United Fae had moved Diomande to the right wing to accommodate Toure on the left, but the RB Leipzig star was reinstated in his favoured position once Amad entered the game. The United man was a livewire against Ecuador and left a mark during his first 34 minutes on the pitch at the World Cup. Amad registered two shots on target and attempted seven dribbles, six of which were successful. He did not shy away from his defensive duties either, winning one tackle and seven of his nine ground duels. He registered 30 touches of the ball, completing 15 of his 17 attempted passes with an 88% success rate. The Ivorian also managed two long balls, both of which reached their intended target, and registered one key pass. Amad Stats vs Ecuador: World Cup 2026 PlayerAmad Diallo NationCôte d’Ivoire PositionF Sofascore Rating- Touches30 Accurate Passes15/17 (88%) Key Passes1 Crosses (Accurate)- Long Balls (Accurate)2 (2) Shots on Target2 Expected Goals (xG)0.19 Shots off Target0 Shots Blocked- Dribbles (Successful)7 (6) Duels (Won)9 (7) Ground Duels (Won)9 (7) Aerial Duels (Won)- Possession Lost4 Fouls- Was Fouled- Defensive Actions1 Clearances0 Blocked Shots (Def.)0 Interceptions0 Tackles (Won)1 Dribbled Past0 Notes- Source: Sofascore. Final Thoughts Amad’s impressive start to the 2026 World Cup will delight the United hierarchy and give fans hope ahead of the upcoming campaign. With the Red Devils expected to fight on four fronts next season, the Ivorian will have a big part to play under Carrick. Featured image George Wood 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.