Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has explained that Amad has missed the opening league game against Hull City after suffering an injury in training late in the week, according to the club’s official website.
The forward is not included in the Red Devils’ matchday squad for the fixture at the MKM Stadium.
His absence represented an early setback for Carrick, particularly after the player had reportedly looked sharp in preparation for the new campaign.
Late training issue rules Amad out
Carrick told MUTV before the match that Amad had picked up what he described as a “niggle” towards the end of the training week.
The head coach added that the problem would need to be assessed before United could establish the extent of the injury or provide a clearer return date.
“He just picked up a niggle right at the end of the week, in training. We’ll assess that and see where he’s at.”
Carrick expressed hope that the problem would not keep the attacker sidelined for an extended period, although he stressed that the club must wait for the results of its checks.
“Hopefully, it won’t be too long but we’ll have to wait and see. He was in a good place, Amad.”
The United boss also revealed his disappointment because Amad had been looking forward to the start of the season.
However, Carrick maintained that his squad contained sufficient depth to cope with the forward’s absence while the medical assessment continued.
“He was looking sharp and obviously looking forward to the season, so it’s disappointing but, unfortunately, that’s part of it. We’ve got the squad that we can cope with it, so we’ve got to keep moving and, hopefully, we’ll get Amad back soon.”
Carrick reshuffles attacking line
With Amad unavailable, Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo occupy the three attacking roles in Carrick’s starting line-up at Hull.
The enforced change was notable given Amad’s availability throughout much of the previous league campaign. Aside from his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, the only league fixture he missed during the preceding season was the 3-1 defeat away to Brentford in September.
Final Thoughts
- Amad suffered a late-week training injury.
- The forward is missing the Hull City opener.
- United are assessing the extent of the problem.
- Dorgu, Cunha and Mbeumo form the attack.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
