Rio Ferdinand Strongly Disagrees with Gary Lineker's Criticism of Amad at Manchester United
Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand express differing opinions on Amad's role at Manchester United following his display against Nottingham Forest.
Lineker's Criticism
After the 2-2 draw between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Gary Lineker criticized Amad's performance in the wing-back position.
“And Amad was probably a really good example of that [the problems with the system],” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “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.”
Ferdinand's Supportive View
Rio Ferdinand disagrees with Lineker’s assessment, emphasizing Amad’s offensive contributions rather than his defensive limitations.
“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.”
Ferdinand sees Amad as crucial for the team’s current needs despite him not fitting perfectly into the wing-back role.
Summary
While Lineker points out tactical mismatches for Amad at wing-back, Ferdinand highlights his offensive impact and value to the team’s dynamics.
Author’s summary: Rio Ferdinand praises Amad's attacking contributions at Manchester United, contrasting Gary Lineker's concerns about his defensive role as wing-back.