Injury came just before the opening game
Amad’s absence from Manchester United’s squad against Hull City initially came as a surprise. The Ivory Coast international had featured regularly during pre-season and played 61 minutes in the final friendly against AC Milan, leaving little indication that he would miss the Premier League opener. Shortly before kick-off, Michael Carrick revealed that the 24-year-old had picked up the problem during training towards the end of the week.
Carrick initially hoped the problem would not keep Amad out for long. Speaking before the Hull match, the United manager explained that the winger had suffered a training issue and would need to be assessed. He also stressed that Amad had looked sharp and had been looking forward to the new season. Carrick’s explanation of Amad’s absence
The subsequent assessment brought worse news. According to Goal’s report on the injury, medical checks showed an ankle problem requiring approximately six weeks of rehabilitation before Amad is expected to return to full training. That wording is significant because six weeks should not automatically be treated as a guaranteed match-return date. A player may still need time to rebuild fitness after returning to team sessions. Goal: Amad faces around six weeks out
The timing could hardly be worse
United discovered the extent of the problem immediately after an awful opening weekend. Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 by newly promoted Hull City, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy condemning United to a defeat that exposed familiar problems against a compact defence. Despite controlling far more possession and creating opportunities, United failed to score. The Guardian: Hull stun Manchester United 2-0
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Amad’s creativity could have been particularly useful in precisely that type of game. He is naturally comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas, can attack defenders directly and is capable of operating either as a winger or in more central attacking positions. Manchester United’s own profile describes him as a versatile attacker and a “crucial creator” for the side. Manchester United: Amad player profile
His raw numbers dipped last season after a much more productive 2024/25 campaign, but he remained heavily involved. Opta’s figures show that Amad played 32 Premier League matches in 2025/26, starting 27 of them, with two goals and three assists. The previous league campaign had produced eight goals and six assists from 26 appearances. Opta Analyst: Amad career statistics
That progression explains why his injury is more significant than simply losing another squad player. Amad has moved from an uncertain prospect, following loan spells at Rangers and Sunderland, into a regular member of United’s first-team attack. He is also tied to the club until 2030, underlining the long-term role United expect him to play.
Carrick now has to reshuffle his attack
United do have alternatives. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Šeško and Bruno Fernandes give Carrick several different ways to structure his front line. Yet none offers exactly the same combination of left-footed dribbling and one-against-one threat from the right that Amad can provide.
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Against Hull, Carrick was already forced to adjust. Mbeumo operated from the right in Amad’s absence, while United struggled to turn territorial control into goals. One result cannot establish that Amad would have changed the outcome, but the defeat illustrated exactly why having different attacking profiles matters against opponents willing to defend deep.
United also need to resist the temptation to accelerate his rehabilitation. Goal reports that medical staff intend to monitor the ankle closely to avoid aggravating the joint, and the projected six-week period concerns his route back towards full training rather than an absolute deadline for competitive action.
Carrick described the original setback as “disappointing”, and the timing has made it considerably more damaging. United have begun the season with a shock defeat and now face the opening weeks without a player who appeared ready to hold an important role.
The injury did not create Manchester United’s problems. It has simply removed one of Carrick’s most useful solutions at exactly the wrong moment.
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