United were trailing 1-0 in the closing stages when the Ivorian’s perseverance to chase down a loose Matheus Nunes backpass saw him eventually fouled by the latter inside the 18-yard box.

A penalty was awarded and Bruno Fernandes stepped up to net an 88th-minute equaliser, before Amad was again involved to decisive effect, delivering a stunning late winner at the Etihad Stadium by volleying in from a tight angle.

From that moment, the destiny of our supporters’ Man of the Match poll on ManUtd.com and the United App will have ultimately been decided - and that was reflected in the dominant final result.

Amad earned a huge 92 per cent of the selections from all fans who got involved, to make him the overriding winner of our official vote for the third time this season.

Our no.16 triumphing with a significant return is nothing new in 2024/25 either, having acclaimed 93 per cent after his two-goal display against PAOK and 70 per cent following his gritty showing in the 4-0 win over Everton earlier this month, in which he laid on a pair of assists.

Featuring in one of the two positions behind the central striker in Amorim’s system, for the second game running, the Ivorian was a threat throughout the derby and got his rewards in spectacular fashion with little time remaining on the clock.

Speaking to Sky Sports following the final whistle, captain Fernandes commended the tricky forward’s work rate, calling him “unstoppable". 

“He has been doing well, he has been doing great things and there is a still a lot to come from him,” Bruno said, stood alongside Amad in the tunnel at the Etihad Stadium.

“He showed again today he is always alive. That is why he gets the penalty, why he gets the goal. He has been brilliant. When he is like this, he is unstoppable.

“I just want him to keep working, that is what he has been doing. It is great what he did today, but I am sure he can do this every week. We want this week in, week out. He is now getting his chances, deservedly.”

We expect Fernandes will not have too many grievances with coming runner-up to Amad in the Man of the Match poll, having finished in second with three per cent.

Four Reds – Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte – ended with a share of third place for their dogged contributions across the 90 minutes.

Thank you to everyone who voted.