Amad makes his case for a start after stealing show in Euro win

THE suggestion that Antony merited playing time ahead of Amad on account of his training form was a suitable enough incentive for United's matchwinner.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Amad scored twice against PAOK.

Having been frozen out by Erik ten Hag, Amad is warming up again. In his cameos before his recall, he injected the United attack with impetus. A first start in seven games elicited a first goal since August to jolt spectators from their slumber. His second was even better.

Abdul Rahman Baba got away with fouling Amad inside the area in the first half. Amad got away from him in the second, pick-pocketing the former Chelsea misfit and lashing the ball beyond the goalkeeper from outside the area.

The only pity was Amad's night ended early as he was forced off through injury. He was mobile enough to walk off the pitch and remained in the dugout rather than limping towards the tunnel.

He embarked on a lap of honour at full-time barefoot. The majority back at Old Trafford on Sunday will hope Amad starts again.

Amad was the only change Ruud van Nistelrooy made to the front six from the draw with Chelsea and there could not have been a more popular scorer. Amad became a fleeting cause celebre during the final days of Ten Hag's reign after Antony emerged ahead of him against Fenerbahce. Antony, back in the squad after nursing an ankle sprain for two weeks, was unused.

To any objective observer, Amad is the better right winger. He was the only bright performer in another drab first half, earning a roar of approval from the Stretford End for his pressing.