Amad shares insight on United's formation

Ruben Amorim has often deployed a 3-4-2-1 setup during his time as our head coach, although it was evident during Monday’s match that United had four defenders when out of possession.

MUTV commentator Liam Bradford asked Amad about that tactic post-match and, while the scorer of our opening goal was insightful in his comments, he caveated those words by saying the most important thing for him to focus on is the fact that the Reds didn’t win the game.

“I think it depends on the opponent,” the Ivorian responded, to the question about our formation.

“We work depending on the opponent, when sometimes we play as a 4-4-2, sometimes we play as a 3-4-3, sometimes also we play 4-3-3, maybe people outside don’t see. As a team, we can change.

“But the system doesn't matter for us. Today, [the focus] was to win this game, so we are really disappointed, but at the same time we take one point and then we're going to prepare the next game.”

Amad’s availability was a doubt for the Monday night fixture, due to his imminent departure to join up with the Ivory Coast squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.

But our no.16 played – as did Cameroonian Bryan Mbeumo – and was at the heart of a strong start that United made to the contest, before scoring the opening goal after 13 minutes.

Amad and Mbeumo’s inclusions were clearly a boost for United’s attack with their dynamism and enthusiasm going forward, but the points would ultimately be shared, leading to disappointment in the home dressing room come full-time.

“You can't see straight away in the dressing room, everyone was very disappointed because we know as a team, we can do much better,” Amad added, speaking to MUTV.

“We knew we can win this game today, but [it’s] a big disappointment that we take one point and [we’re] thinking about the next game.

“I think when we conceded the goal, the two goals straight away in the second half, we had that pressure to come [back] into the game.

“We did the 4-3, but it's a big disappointment we didn't win this game because if we win this game, we are better in the league [table]. But it's not bad also to draw. The worst one was to lose this game. So, we're going to take one point and prepare the next game.”

The Reds will now look towards Sunday's Premier League clash away at Aston Villa but will be without Amad and Mbeumo, who will travel to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.