Rio Ferdinand Disagrees with Gary Lineker on Amad's Role at Manchester United
Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand hold opposing opinions on Amad Diallo's position and performance at Manchester United following the 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.
Gary Lineker's Criticism
“And Amad was probably a really good example of that [the problems with the system]. You could see the positives of his game, but also the fact that he’s not a defender and he’s been asked to play as a wing-back and he’s not a wing-back; he’s a winger or a forward.”
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Rio Ferdinand's Positive Perspective
Contrary to Lineker’s criticism of Amad illustrating Manchester United’s challenges with Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Ferdinand emphasized Amad's forward contributions and his dynamic impact on the game.
“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. 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.”
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Summary
- Lineker critiques Amad for being played out of position as a wing-back despite being a winger.
- Ferdinand focuses on Amad’s attacking strengths and positive impact on the opposition.
- Both highlight the tactical challenges Manchester United faces but differ in evaluating Amad’s contribution.
Author's summary: Rio Ferdinand values Amad’s attacking creativity for Manchester United despite positional challenges, contrasting Gary Lineker’s criticism of the winger being misused defensively.