Manchester United’s coach Ruben Amorim has promoted an academy star who’s regarded as the next Lionel Messi to the club first-team due to lack of quality in Amad’s position.

Manchester United will have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most promising young attackers, Amad Diallo. The team has already struggled to find the back of the net, and with Amad now sidelined, their offensive difficulties could become even more pronounced.

At just 22, Amad has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise challenging campaign. His development has been impressive, contributing nine goals across all competitions—matching Bruno Fernandes as the squad’s joint top scorer. With his absence, the burden of providing goals will fall on others, making it crucial for United’s attacking players to step up in his place.

Manager Ruben Amorim now faces a difficult task in adjusting the team’s setup, particularly with an important clash against Everton at Goodison Park approaching. He has hinted at potential solutions for covering Amad’s absence, with two players standing out as possible replacements.

In their recent defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, United made several changes to their lineup, with Joshua Zirkzee deployed alongside Alejandro Garnacho in an advanced midfield role. While the team struggled to create clear-cut chances, both players had solid individual performances. If more attacking options had been available from the bench, the outcome might have been different.

Following the match, Amorim praised Zirkzee, acknowledging that he is not a conventional striker but is better suited to an attacking midfield role. The manager highlighted the Dutch forward’s strength, work ethic, and improved speed, all of which make him a valuable option in United’s attacking setup. Zirkzee’s ability to hold up play and drop deeper into midfield complements Rasmus Hojlund’s style, potentially adding another dimension to United’s attack.

However, Amorim may also look at Patrick Dorgu as a viable alternative. Originally brought in as a left wing-back, Dorgu has experience playing on the right wing for Lecce, where he scored all three of his league goals this season. His ability to cut inside from the right and link up with teammates provides a different attacking dynamic, something Amad excelled at. Amorim recognizes the value of a left-footed attacker on the right flank, as it allows for varied passing angles and combinations in the final third.

The challenge with shifting Dorgu into a more advanced role is that United has long been searching for a specialized left wing-back. Now that they finally have one, using him further up the pitch could create defensive gaps. If he is moved forward, United may have to rely on Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui playing out of position to cover at wing-back, which could cause further tactical headaches.

As the season nears its conclusion, Amorim will have to make key decisions to ensure the team remains competitive without Amad. Whether Zirkzee or Dorgu takes on the attacking role, United must find a way to maintain their goal threat if they hope to finish the campaign on a strong note.