Without even starting Manchester United's FA Cup triumph over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Amad still had an important say in the outcome.

The Ivorian, fresh from signing a new contract at Old Trafford last weekend, stroked home United's second penalty of their 5-3 shootout win over the Gunners. He had stepped off the bench with 10 minutes remaining in the second half after missing out on a starting berth as a result of a "small issue" he had encountered during the week.

Had he experienced a problem-free build up ahead of the trip to the capital he would have almost certainly started. He has six goals and seven assists this season and has excelled since Ruben Amorim's appointment in November.

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After initially establishing himself as Amorim's first-choice right wing-back at the start of his tenure, Amad has recently been tasked with operating higher up the pitch as the right-sided No.10. Each of his last six starts have been in that position.

Despite scoring against both Manchester City and Liverpool from that starting position, he has not been as lively and threatening as he previously was in the wing-back role. He quickly got to grips with that duty following Amorim's appointment, offering United plenty of threat down their right flank.

But amid Amorim's hunger for a left-footed operator in the right-sided No.10 position, Amad has been pushed forward in recent weeks. However, the United head coach, speaking ahead of the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United last month, hinted that the former Sunderland loanee could be a long-term option at wing-back.

He said: "I think Amad, in that position [right wing-back], he could be an option, but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front."

However, Amad could possibly find himself starting in the right wing-back role again as soon as this evening when Southampton visit Old Trafford. United will be without Diogo Dalot through suspension after he was sent-off against Arsenal.

The Portuguese international has established himself as United's chief left wing-back under Amorim and will be missing from the starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since December 2023 this evening. His absence opens up a huge void that needs filling.

With Luke Shaw still sidelined through injury, Tyrell Malacia is the only other left-sided defender available to take Dalot's place. However, he has not completed a full 90 minutes since returning from a long-term knee injury earlier this season.

It means Amorim will be within his rights to lean on the versatility of Noussair Mazraoui - and not for the first time. Having already played in six different positions this season, it is possible he could make the left wing-back role his seventh.

He has played at left-sided centre-back and left-back already this season, meaning he should be able to adapt to the left wing-back role without too much fuss. Him making that switch would open the door for Amad to start at right wing-back and allow Alejandro Garnacho to bag a second successive start in attack after he provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes at the Emirates.

Amad has been excellent when deployed in the wing-back role, giving United the width and energy Amorim craves from his wing-backs. Furthermore, United are heavy favourites to beat Southampton, meaning Amorim should be confident enough to go with a more attack-minded approach after recently having full-backs occupy the wing-back roles.

Amad, who has signed a deal at United until 2030, is a suitable operator in either the right wing-back role or the right-sided No.10 position, meaning he gives Amorim plenty of scope.

He has four assists from the wing-back role this season, highlighting his ability to make things happen from that area. Tonight's visit of the Saints could offer him another chance to audition for that role long-term.