Manchester United are gearing up for a transformative season under head coach Ruben Amorim, and one of the most intriguing developments is the potential repositioning of Amad Diallo as a right wingback. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to United In Focus, this tactical shift could reshape United’s transfer priorities, particularly their pursuit of Braga’s rising star Roger Fernandes. Despite Fernandes impressing at the European Under-21 Championships and carrying a tempting €40m release clause, Bailey suggests that Amad’s new role reduces the urgency to sign the Portuguese youngster. With fans buzzing about this bold move and the club’s transfer strategy, let’s dive into why Amad is being eyed for wingback, whether Fernandes still fits United’s plans, and what this means for the Red Devils’ future.
Amad Diallo’s Wingback Experiment: A Tactical Revolution?
Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United has brought a fresh tactical vision, and his decision to deploy Amad Diallo as a right wingback is a bold statement. The 22-year-old Ivorian winger, known for his flair and attacking instincts, started 10 games as part of a back five last season, showcasing his versatility. In those matches, Amad scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists, demonstrating his ability to impact games from deeper positions. Compared to Diogo Dalot, United’s current right-back, who matched Amad’s 8 goal involvements but needed 53 appearances to do so, Amad’s efficiency is striking. His pace, dribbling, and vision could make him a dynamic threat bombing forward, fitting Amorim’s high-pressing, wingback-driven system.
However, the switch isn’t without challenges. Amad’s defensive skills need refinement, as wingbacks under Amorim are expected to track back and handle one-on-one duels. Last season, Amad averaged just 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game, compared to Dalot’s 1.7 tackles and 0.9 interceptions. While Amad’s attacking output could outshine Dalot’s, his ability to adapt defensively will determine the success of this experiment. For United fans, the prospect of Amad thriving in this role is exciting, but it’s a gamble that hinges on his willingness to embrace the less glamorous side of the game.
Roger Fernandes: A Target on Hold?
Before Amad’s positional shift, Manchester United had their sights set on Braga’s 19-year-old star Roger Fernandes, who has been turning heads with Portugal at the European Under-21 Championships. Fernandes, a versatile winger capable of playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, was seen as an alternative to Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda after Chelsea swooped in to secure the latter. With a €40m (£34m) release clause in his contract, Fernandes represented a straightforward deal for United, offering long-term potential and positional flexibility.
Graeme Bailey, however, suggests that Amad’s move to wingback has shifted United’s priorities. “Things have changed at United with their targets indicating Amad will be played as a right wing-back from this point forward, and in that case, I don’t think Fernandes can be seen as a priority,” Bailey told United In Focus. While United still admire Fernandes for his versatility and potential, the need for a right-sided attacker has diminished with Amad’s new role. Fernandes’ ability to play multiple positions remains appealing, but with United’s budget likely focused on other areas—like a goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana or reinforcements in midfield—the Braga star may have to wait for his Old Trafford dream.
Why Fernandes Was a Target in the First Place
United’s interest in Fernandes stemmed from their need for a dynamic, young attacker to bolster their right flank. Initially, the Red Devils targeted Geovany Quenda, a 19-year-old Sporting Lisbon prodigy who shares Fernandes’ versatility and flair. When Chelsea hijacked that deal, United pivoted to Fernandes, whose performances in Liga Portugal and on the international stage made him a natural fit. Fernandes averaged 0.3 goals and 0.2 assists per game for Braga last season, showcasing his ability to create and finish in tight spaces. His €40m release clause was seen as a bargain for a player with his upside, especially in a market where similar talents command double that price.
Fernandes’ versatility—able to play as a right winger, left winger, or No. 10—aligned with Amorim’s fluid system, which often demands players to interchange roles. However, with Amad now earmarked for the right wingback role and players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho covering the attacking flanks, United’s need for Fernandes has waned. The club’s transfer strategy appears to be shifting toward addressing more pressing needs, leaving fans to wonder if Fernandes could still be a long-term target or if this window has closed.
The Bigger Picture for Manchester United
Amorim’s decision to reposition Amad reflects a broader tactical overhaul at United. The Portuguese coach, known for his 3-4-3 formation at Sporting Lisbon, relies heavily on wingbacks to provide width and creativity. Amad’s attacking prowess could make him a perfect fit, but his defensive growth will be crucial. If successful, this move could save United millions in the transfer market, allowing them to allocate funds elsewhere—perhaps toward a new goalkeeper, as rumors swirl about a £34m-rated shot-stopper linked to Arsenal, or a midfielder to replace Casemiro.
The decision to deprioritize Fernandes also highlights United’s confidence in their current attacking options. With Rashford, Garnacho, and Amad covering the flanks, and Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings in midfield, United may feel their attacking unit is set for now. However, fans remain divided. Some see Amad’s wingback role as a masterstroke, unlocking his potential in a new way, while others worry it could stifle his attacking talents. Similarly, Fernandes’ omission from the priority list has sparked debate—some fans view him as a missed opportunity, while others trust Amorim’s vision to maximize existing talent.
Risks and Rewards
The Amad-to-wingback experiment carries significant risks. If he struggles defensively, United’s right flank could become a liability, exposing their backline against top Premier League sides. Additionally, moving Amad from his natural winger role could limit his goal-scoring output, which fans have eagerly anticipated after his breakout moments last season. However, the rewards are tantalizing. A successful transition could see Amad become a hybrid star, blending the attacking flair of Trent Alexander-Arnold with the pace of Kyle Walker, all while saving United the cost of a new signing.
As for Fernandes, United’s decision to cool their interest is a calculated one. While his €40m price tag is reasonable, the club’s budget is finite, and other areas demand attention. If Fernandes continues to shine, United could revisit their interest in future windows, but for now, Amorim’s faith in Amad signals a focus on internal solutions over external splashes.
Manchester United’s plan to transform Amad Diallo into a right wingback under Ruben Amorim is a bold move that could redefine their season. By prioritizing Amad’s development over a €40m move for Braga’s Roger Fernandes, United are betting on their existing talent to fill a critical role while addressing other needs in the transfer market. For fans, this shift sparks excitement and uncertainty—can Amad adapt defensively, and is Fernandes a missed opportunity? As the Red Devils embark on a new era, Amorim’s vision is taking shape, and the Amad experiment could be the key to unlocking United’s potential. United fans, what’s your take—is Amad the answer at wingback, or should United have pushed for Fernandes?