Paul Parker advises Man Utd to sign Daniel Munoz as a replacement for Amad.
The former star warned of the potential weakness of Amad playing as a wing-back, suggesting Daniel Munoz (4 goals, 2 assists/23 games). He criticized Patrick Dorgu for lacking confidence and worried that AFCON would deplete Manchester United's squad.
Paul Parker believes Manchester United are exposing a weakness on the wing with Amad playing in that role, and suggests Daniel Munoz is a more suitable option right now. This warning comes as the AFCON tournament, which kicks off on December 21st, could severely deplete Ruben Amorim's squad.
Context: Positive signals but underlying personnel tensions
Under manager Ruben Amorim, Man Utd just secured a 4-1 victory against Wolves, with a brace from Bruno Fernandes and goals from Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo, thus maintaining their sixth-place position. Compared to finishing only 15th in Amorim's first season, the current start shows much more promise.
However, the challenge lies ahead. AFCON, which kicks off on December 21st, means Man Utd could lose several key players simultaneously: top scorer Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), and Amad (Ivory Coast). Parker believes this is a problem not only in terms of personnel, but also in terms of defensive structure on both flanks.
Amad as a wing-back: Parker points out his "concerns".
Speaking to GOAL, Parker admitted that Amad possesses good attacking qualities. But when moved to wing-back, the player – according to Parker – becomes a "concern" in defense. In a position that demands man-marking, covering gaps, and being ready to surge forward to support the wing, just one moment of hesitation or a wrong decision can cause the defensive block to collapse.
From that perspective, Parker's concern wasn't limited to individual technique but rather to defensive stability in depth, something often challenged when opponents counter-attack behind the wing-backs.
Why Daniel Munoz?
Parker points out Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace) as the type of player that fits the current requirements. According to the source, Munoz has scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 23 appearances – statistics that show his ability to contribute directly in the final third of the pitch while still fulfilling his defensive role.
However, the likelihood of Man Utd signing Munoz is considered low. The reason: his age of 29 goes against the club's youth development strategy, which prioritizes players under 25. This is a dilemma between immediate needs and long-term goals.
Left wing under scrutiny: Patrick Dorgu lacks confidence.
Parker not only criticized the right flank, but also the left. He argued that Patrick Dorgu – the £25 million signing – lacks confidence. Despite playing well for the Danish national team, at Old Trafford, Dorgu is likened to a "rabbit in a spotlight" due to his overwhelming presence.
The numbers don't support the defender either: Dorgu has only started seven domestic league games since joining in February 2025. Parker questioned his adaptability, recalling how Rasmus Hojlund struggled in the early stages.
The problem of tactics and timing.
Wing-back is a position that demands intensity, off-ball discipline, and good spatial awareness. When AFCON thinned out its squad, the flanks became the easiest area for opponents to exploit. That's why Parker mentioned the balance between attack and defense and experience in handling situations on the wing, something he believes Munoz can provide.
On the other hand, prioritizing youth development could cause Man Utd to miss out on a ready-to-play solution. According to Parker's argument, the current squad needs an experienced winger to avoid disrupting the positive momentum following the win against Wolves and their current standing.
Impact: Balancing the present and the future
Parker's message was clear: closing the gaps on the wing was urgent. But any solution had to pass the club's strategic filter. Munoz was a suitable option for the short-term needs, but his age made the deal difficult to finalize. On the left wing, Dorgu needed to overcome his psychological issues to translate his potential into consistent performance.
In the short term, Man Utd must get through the AFCON period with the least amount of disruption. Looking at the long term, how they handle the flanks – a position Parker considers crucial – will determine the sustainability of the positive signs under Ruben Amorim.
