Amad has emerged as a crucial figure at Manchester United throughout a turbulent spell. The 23-year-old has ranked amongst the club’s most dependable and versatile players under various managers. The talented forward was utilised at right wing-back by previous head coach Ruben Amorim and largely excelled in that position.

Carrick was keen to praise Amad despite leaving him out of the starting line-up against Palace. Defending his decision to select match-winner Benjamin Sesko in his place, he said: “It’s not as if from week to week that all of a sudden we’re really a fan of certain players and then the next week you’re on the bench, and we don’t like you anymore.

“It’s a little bit on certain games, certain types, certain strengths. Amad has been massive for us. It’s not a major downside that he didn’t start. He’s a big player for us. I think that’s our approach to it, and the boys have been fantastic.”

Discussing Amad, Carrick added: “He’s such a dream to work with. His attitude, he’s so positive, he wants to learn, he wants to keep pushing. He asks for more, ‘What can I do more? How can I improve?’ He’s desperate to do well, and he’s been a huge part of the team.”

In between the Palace and Newcastle fixtures, Amad posted an intriguing message on social media, which some have read as a potential transfer signal. Sharing a photograph of himself celebrating in United colours on his Snapchat account, he captioned it: “What is meant to grow does not stay in the same place forever.”

The message could alternatively suggest that a player cannot continually feature or play in the same role.

Amorim’s decision to deploy the forward-thinking Amad as a wing-back attracted criticism early in the campaign. The choice stemmed from Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival from Brentford, yet it still puzzled many observers, including former West Brom, Middlesbrough and Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray.

Speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, the 61-year-old remarked: “Why would you be so stuck on one system and trying to force Amad as a right wing-back? Amad, who’s a brilliant footballer, Man United class, I would suggest. I speak to [former United defender] Gary Pallister a lot about this. Amad, he’s a genius.

“The ball’s stuck to his left foot. He is a brilliant football player and a brilliant human being. And you’re playing him at right wing-back just to fit into your system?”