[SteveCoppellFan]

It's not just Amad, every one that gets into a decent position in the final third seem to mess up the final ball.

Its something that needs eradicating asap.

In the Chelsea game, Reece James pinged in a great cross every time he got the chance, things like this make a huge difference.

 

[Carl]

Amad is another victim of United fans overhyping a player who is now struggling to live up to heights hes never actually reached.

Good player sometimes capable of excellent things but still several weaknesses in his game. Its a shame that players at modern day United aren't really allowed to develop at a slower pace. Instead theyre put on a pedestal and managers over use them because of a lack of other options. Often to their detriment.

 

[kouroux]

This is just shocking and one of the reasons why our strikers don’t score goals.

I wouldn't have minded if his cross or pass was bad, he just didn't attempt it. That's a bad decision

 

[statpadders]

Ok my take on this is that United fans on social media are becoming unbelievably toxic. Amad’s getting singled out week after week, even though he’s rarely played in his best position. Making him the scapegoat just doesn’t make sense.

Take this match. The first chance people are upset about came from his own pressing.. he chased a lost cause, won it back like he did so often last season, and then played the pass. Could he have released it first time? Yes ofcourse. But that’s not selfishness which he is being called out for - also it isn't a gilt edged opportunity for Sesko as people are making out. And on the scissor-kick chance, what’s he realistically supposed to do? Cunha jumps in front of him, he barely sees the ball. Expecting a settled touch there feels incredibly harsh. He takes a shot and doesn't connect - happens all the time in football.

Overall, it was a decent performance, but nowhere near his best but also not nowhere near the level of criticism he’s getting. If a player’s running himself into the ground to press and create, that’s not a mentality problem. We should be backing talented players, not tearing them down. We've done this before to talented players and completely destroyed them. Martial, Rashford, Garnacho, Hoijland, McTominay, Sancho (although that was more his fault) and even Antony. These players are on social media all the time, pretending that the needless hate doesn't get to them is being incredibly naive.

 

[Champ]

Considering I was ridiculed heavily on this forum for a long time for claiming he wasn't quite ready for the position he has in the team, I actually feel bar a few poor decisions yesterday he had a very good game.

These decisions seem to be a hangover in my opinion from having an average striker leading the line.
Now we actually have a striker making good runs the players just need to trust these runs.
Amad certainly isn't the only one guilty of this.

 

[Champ]

This is pretty much it, he's a young player, he's going to go through periods like this where he isn't as effective. The talent is there though, he works hard and is an excellent presser even when in poor form.

He's 23 with plenty of experience,
not exactly a kid anymore.

 

[JBG]

Another young player doing this



Edit: apparently he was getting abused for his performance. At least from what I could find online.

 

[Berbasbullet]

Another young player doing this

So weird.

 

[Drainy]

Another young player doing this

Good for him. He's probably getting a lot of abuse for not starting the season well.

 

[Fortitude]

Another young player doing this

Do you think instead he should endure abuse?

 

[Idxomer]

Had another massive chance to set up Sesko in the first half. Shouldn't have to stop and check before rolling a ball across the six yard box.

He did well in those situations getting the ball through his pressing and movement, but was overthinking it both times. I think his problem is that he likes to assess all of his options before releasing the ball. This isn't always bad, but he needs to understand that it's sometimes better just to play the ball first time.

 

[DJ_21]

He’s not having the season I thought he would to be fair. Even when Amorim puts him further forward. I’m expecting him to start kicking on with goals and assist now

 

[Matt851]

He’s not having the season I thought he would to be fair. Even when Amorim puts him further forward. I’m expecting him to start kicking on with goals and assist now

For me the criticism of him is ott. He has moved position a fair bit which must make it tough to get any rhythm and he is still an inexperienced player. Last season was the first time he really played at the top level and that was only around half a season.

He is still doing a lot off the ball even if his decision making has been mixed

 

[rimaldo]

Another young player doing this

doesn’t matter as i can still dm him my thoughts.

 

[PSV]

Another young player doing this

Probably got a too much shit for his posing with Garnacho after the game.

 

[Ronaldo's Love Child]

Do you think instead he should endure abuse?

It always baffles me why players even read their social media pages.

He's a professional player whose only job is to perform on the pitch, stay healthy and that's it.

If they absolutely NEED to have social media profiles, and they probably do for their "brand", then post whatever you want but don't read the comments. If you have a million followers you are going to get abuse.

Have we really become that delicate as a society?

 

[Alex B]

It always baffles me why players even read their social media pages.

He's a professional player whose only job is to perform on the pitch, stay healthy and that's it.

If they absolutely NEED to have social media profiles, and they probably do for their "brand", then post whatever you want but don't read the comments. If you have a million followers you are going to get abuse.

Have we really become that delicate as a society?

Agreed.

However in answer the last couple of lines (and not a dig at you at all but a generalised response) yes society has, but abuse on social media has been normalised and accepted to such an extent, it is outrageous. Having a million followers should not mean people get abuse. Constructive criticism when in the public eye ok, I guess that comes with the territory of football, but abuse is unacceptable

 

[Fortitude]

It always baffles me why players even read their social media pages.

He's a professional player whose only job is to perform on the pitch, stay healthy and that's it.

If they absolutely NEED to have social media profiles, and they probably do for their "brand", then post whatever you want but don't read the comments. If you have a million followers you are going to get abuse.

Have we really become that delicate as a society?

His generation are hardwired to social media and the few in those circles who are not in that ecosystem are likely to be the odd ones out. It’s a huge sacrifice for them to not be online and taking it all in. We want these kids to stay in touch with reality and be grounded, but it’s being part of the lived/shared experience that facilitates that. I think for most, not being online and not being able to interact and participate with everybody else is seen as a punishment not a necessity. It’s usually incidents that cause these folk to come off social media as opposed to them wilfully removing themselves.

On his way up and whilst Ten Hag was isolating him, social media was a boon and he let those who supported him know that. Unfortunately, he’s not in that same space now and toxicity seeps in and that’s where the same social media that elevated becomes detrimental and a net negative.

I’d argue you need balanced social media more in his position than the layman does. Problem is that becomes much harder to come by as the level of fame grows.

 

[Ronaldo's Love Child]

Agreed.

However in answer the last couple of lines (and not a dig at you at all but a generalised response) yes society has, but abuse on social media has been normalised and accepted to such an extent, it is outrageous. Having a million followers should not mean people get abuse. Constructive criticism when in the public eye ok, I guess that comes with the territory of football, but abuse is unacceptable

I think we can both end up getting into a deeper debate about this and for the record, neither of us have the answer.

Football players are performers. Footballers make money based on their support being passionate, not reasonable, but passionate.

A performer cannot have it both ways, only reading the positive comments but being deeply offended at the criticism. Why should it matter to them that some stranger at the other end of the world might have said something horrible about their granny based on a poor performance in the last match.

If I was a footballer, I'd probably have my own social media pages to build my brand up. I would likely have a PR company managing that for me but I would also like to post my own stuff from time to time. I would not be checking in on comments to see if people liked me or hated me.

I agree with you it's horrible that we live in a world where people feel they can say the nastiest things hiding behind a keyboard and it should not be like that but if you openly encourage a million followers to express an opinion (and social media is all about enticing engagement) then you have to accept the good with the bad and not only that but you shouldn't really be bothered about positive OR negative comments about you.

 

[Ronaldo's Love Child]

His generation are hardwired to social media and the few in those circles who are not in that ecosystem are likely to be the odd ones out. It’s a huge sacrifice for them to not be online and taking it all in. We want these kids to stay in touch with reality and be grounded, but it’s being part of the lived/shared experience that facilitates that. I think for most, not being online and not being able to interact and participate with everybody else is seen as a punishment not a necessity. It’s usually incidents that cause these folk to come off social media as opposed to them wilfully removing themselves.

On his way up and whilst Ten Hag was isolating him, social media was a boon and he let those who supported him know that. Unfortunately, he’s not in that same space now and toxicity seeps in and that’s where the same social media that elevated becomes detrimental and a net negative.

I’d argue you need balanced social media more in his position than the layman does. Problem is that becomes much harder to come by as the level of fame grows.

Yeah I get why youngster are hardwired into it but I worry for their mental health if they only expect to read positive comments about themselves.

 

[Jwills]

Amad was dreadful against Chelsea and he was easily our worst player on the pitch. He's been out of form since the start of this season. I'm a big fan of him but he needs to be benched against Brentford.

Wow… Amad is the new scapegoat!

 

[Fortitude]

Yeah I get why youngster are hardwired into it but I worry for their mental health if they only expect to read positive comments about themselves.

Don’t know about only; the issue is he’ll get a deluge of negativity. Floods of shitposts as well as racism and other generally unpleasant things normal users have no concept of experiencing.

Damaging for mental health? I should think so, but also unavoidable whilst he still wants to be “normal” enough to have active social media presence, unfortunately.

 

[Remember the geese]

People really need to get off his back. Sure, you can question his form. Some of his recent decision making/execution in the final third hasn't been up to the level we expect from him. However, even in a game like yesterday, he was integral. His touch and technique is still there. He's a brilliant presser and putting in a great shift. Every player has ups and downs with their form. He'll be ok.

 

[vanrooney]

Even after a win many need someone or something to hit it seems. Just enjoy the win - its normal that not everybody plays a blinder every match. Amad did ok all in all - pressing well, winning some balls but made some wrong decisions, yes. Will have better days again and seems to be level headed. Nothing like garnacho as some think

 

[NZT-One]

Considering I was ridiculed heavily on this forum for a long time for claiming he wasn't quite ready for the position he has in the team, I actually feel bar a few poor decisions yesterday he had a very good game.

These decisions seem to be a hangover in my opinion from having an average striker leading the line.
Now we actually have a striker making good runs the players just need to trust these runs.
Amad certainly isn't the only one guilty of this.

I thought he did reasonably well in the game. I think, many posters forget that last season was his first real season for us, coming in as a new entity. Now opposition teams know him better, the players in his areas are prepared on his strengths and ready to exploit his weaknesses. Many people call this 2nd season syndrome as if players would exist in a vacuum. But they are not. The best players out there find a way to deal with that, redefine themselves, redevelop themselves, keep it more simple and so on. Thats the challenge that Amad faces. In a team that isn't the most functional one to begin with.
I think, as with so many young players, United fans have overdone the hyping thing and now it is a bit of desillusioning (?). He is still one of the most football-smart players we have, still one of the technically most equipped. There is no real danger for him losing his spot in the team, he just has to battle through the adversities now.

His generation are hardwired to social media and the few in those circles who are not in that ecosystem are likely to be the odd ones out. It’s a huge sacrifice for them to not be online and taking it all in. We want these kids to stay in touch with reality and be grounded, but it’s being part of the lived/shared experience that facilitates that. I think for most, not being online and not being able to interact and participate with everybody else is seen as a punishment not a necessity. It’s usually incidents that cause these folk to come off social media as opposed to them wilfully removing themselves.

On his way up and whilst Ten Hag was isolating him, social media was a boon and he let those who supported him know that. Unfortunately, he’s not in that same space now and toxicity seeps in and that’s where the same social media that elevated becomes detrimental and a net negative.

I’d argue you need balanced social media more in his position than the layman does. Problem is that becomes much harder to come by as the level of fame grows.

Very well said.

I really hope that the big clubs, when it comes to footballers (big corporates when it comes to other media), really stand up and make sure they educate young protagonists of this topic. It is part of life now, whether we like it or not, but illusions and skewed realities are a huge part of it. We have to throw our knowledge about some of the dynamics at it, actually I think, this even applies to all young folks and should even be adressed in every school. Because our brains won't keep up with the dynamics of social interactions changing to the same degree.

 

[Ceteris]

I think we can both end up getting into a deeper debate about this and for the record, neither of us have the answer.

Football players are performers. Footballers make money based on their support being passionate, not reasonable, but passionate.

A performer cannot have it both ways, only reading the positive comments but being deeply offended at the criticism. Why should it matter to them that some stranger at the other end of the world might have said something horrible about their granny based on a poor performance in the last match.

If I was a footballer, I'd probably have my own social media pages to build my brand up. I would likely have a PR company managing that for me but I would also like to post my own stuff from time to time. I would not be checking in on comments to see if people liked me or hated me.

I agree with you it's horrible that we live in a world where people feel they can say the nastiest things hiding behind a keyboard and it should not be like that but if you openly encourage a million followers to express an opinion (and social media is all about enticing engagement) then you have to accept the good with the bad and not only that but you shouldn't really be bothered about positive OR negative comments about you.

Abuse is not part of criticising a player's game. Also where does been a player stop and him been any human being with an online presence start?

Abuse isn't just horrible, some of the things these trolls right should be illegal and be liable for criminal prosecution

 

[Devarshi]

Might be a controversial opinion but I think young/impressionable players should stay well away from social media. Use a PR firm to manage accounts maybe, but stay away from the cesspool.

If you have 2.4 million followers, no matter how good the fanbase there are going to be some bad eggs. On top of that, there will be trolls, supporters of other clubs or countries, that could throw vitriol. Best to just stay clear and keep your head in the game.

 

[Red_toad]

It always baffles me why players even read their social media pages.

He's a professional player whose only job is to perform on the pitch, stay healthy and that's it.

If they absolutely NEED to have social media profiles, and they probably do for their "brand", then post whatever you want but don't read the comments. If you have a million followers you are going to get abuse.

Have we really become that delicate as a society?

Just take away the anonymity of the internet and it'll clear it up PDQ.
I've never once abused a player after any performance on their socials. It's just weird behaviour.
Love Amad as a player, don't give a shite if he talks to a long term friend, who's no longer at the club. What a delicate society we've become if people need to seek out his socials and abuse him for doing so...

 

[OverratedOpinion]

He's massively talented and playing his way into the season.

 

[Red & White]

He was superb last season and hasn’t quite hit those heights YET, this season. Feels like he’s maybe forcing things a bit as he’s no doubt conscious of this, too. I’m sure he’ll come good and hit some form again soon.

 

[Mike Smalling]

He has all the ability needed. It’s just about getting the decision making right and getting into good situations. No doubt he will be a good player this year as well.

 

[The Irish Connection]

To be fair, we haven’t had a settled team. We’ve barely had the chance to play the new front three with Amad at RWB yet due to the late transfer of Sesko and injuries.
But I do think Amads decision making isn’t great at times.

 

[Owen Hargo]

Not good from him to post a photo on his Instagram story with Garnacho and I think that where the abuse is coming from. All the players are shaking hands and hugging Garnacho knowing that he dreams of coming on, scoring in-front of home fans and celebrate. Look at how all Chelsea players treating Mount even though his exit was nothing like Garnacho. I don’t want to sound like Roy Keane and all that macho mentality but this kid literally thinks very little of this club and we shouldn’t allow it.

 

[Denis' cuff]

Social media “fans” more toxic than Sancho

 

[Red Rash]

He proved last season he can be good enough but he's having a tough start to the season. Has the dribbling, passing, finishing and pressing tools needed to be a useful option as one of the 10s. Just have patience I'm sure he will improve over the coming weeks.

 

[TsuWave]

He still attempted the pass, just not first time, which is what he should have done - and it was a poor attempt too when he did d it, but people are making it bigger than it should be.

A byproduct of United being so shit for so long is that people overreact to average and middling performances. If a player’s not putting up +8 showings every week they become the worst thing the club has ever fielded and weird narratives start being spun - then they go harass the players on their social pages - none of which is conducive of an environment that fosters good form

 

[Trex]

I think he's among a few of our attacking players who desperately need a goal (Cunha, Sesko included). We really need that game were we go and get 4-5 goals and these guys gets on the score sheet. Goals are very important for attackers, it will calm nerves and Kickstart their seasons. Yesterday could have been it but but the Casemiro red card ruined. I'm sure he'll come good.

 

[lex talionis]

Not Amad's best day yesterday but conditions were adverse, which really hurts a player who's less physical and more technical. Nothing to panic over yet but he has yet to reach the level he reached last season.

 

[Drainy]

I started the season quite critical of him because frankly he was being very selfish and immature with his play, but in the last 3 games he hasn't been as immature with his approach, and its just been bad decision making - which deserves a more supportive attitude

 

[SensibleRed]

Social media exposure is incredible toxic for players, especially for a club such as ours with such a huge reach around the world.

Amad has been playing like he is trying to get some highlight reels for social media posts and no surprise when things are not working out will react negatively on bad comments.

I can only imagine how hard it is to have millions of followers who are praising him and kissing his ass one day and then the next week abuse him and insult him with thousands of posts. It is very tough to keep grounded and not delude himself with the praise or breakdown and start question himself with the abuse.