Ruben Amorim Pledges to Win for Amad at Brentford After Man Utd Winger Afforded Compassionate Leave for Father’s Death

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has pledged that his side will “win for Amad” when they travel to Brentford this weekend, after the young winger was granted compassionate leave following the tragic passing of his father.

The Portuguese coach, who has been tasked with rebuilding United’s fortunes, confirmed that Amad Diallo will not be part of the squad on Saturday. Instead, the Ivorian will remain in Manchester to mourn with family and close friends, supported by the club during a painful period both personally and professionally.

Amorim’s message was simple but heartfelt: football can wait, family comes first, and his players now have extra motivation to deliver three points in London.

Amad Diallo’s Absence and Compassionate Leave

Amad Diallo’s situation has been an emotional one over the past week. The 22-year-old winger, who had begun to re-establish himself in United’s first-team picture, found himself at the centre of unwelcome attention after facing heavy criticism online.

Following United’s defeat to Chelsea, Amad posted a picture alongside close friend and former team-mate Alejandro Garnacho. The two are represented by the same agent, and the post seemed innocent enough. But a section of United’s online fanbase took exception, directing waves of abuse at the winger. The fallout led Amad to remove all his photos and posts from Instagram.

Barely days later, personal tragedy struck with the death of his father. United moved swiftly to support the winger, granting him compassionate leave and stressing that his well-being takes precedence over footballing matters. Amorim acknowledged how difficult the period has been for the young player and reiterated the club’s desire to stand by him.

“This is a tough moment,” the United boss explained. “The next game is not important compared to family. We can win without Amad, but we also want to win for him. He needs time to mourn and to be with his loved ones. Football will still be there when he is ready.”

Ruben Amorim Urges Players to Leave Social Media

Amad

Amorim also used the occasion to comment on the wider issue of social media abuse in football, calling on his players to disconnect from online platforms.

“I say the same thing to my players: shut down social media,” he said. “Nowadays it is part of the price you pay for being in the spotlight. But the important thing is that the club and his friends are real life for Amad. That is what matters. We are here for him.”

The coach’s advice reflects a growing concern in football about the damaging effects of online criticism and trolling. Many players, particularly younger ones, find themselves the targets of relentless negativity, and in Amad’s case, the situation escalated unnecessarily from a harmless post.

Amorim, who is still relatively new to the Premier League, has been direct in his approach since arriving at Old Trafford. His words echoed the sentiments of managers across Europe who have urged athletes to protect their mental health by limiting social media use.

United Target Consecutive Wins Under Amorim

While off-pitch matters have dominated the headlines this week, Amorim was keen to remind his players of the footballing task at hand: facing Brentford away in the Premier League.

Since taking over last November, the Portuguese coach has yet to see his team put together consecutive league victories. Last weekend’s 2–1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford offered some relief and optimism, but consistency has eluded United under Amorim’s leadership.

“Momentum is crucial,” the coach admitted. “We spoke after the Chelsea game about the urgency of winning. Every game in this league is difficult. Every time we prepare, we see a tough opponent, and Brentford will be no different. But we must keep the focus and approach it with the hunger to win.”

Brentford Clash: More Than Just Three Points

Brentford, currently hovering just above the relegation zone, represent both an opportunity and a trap. On paper, United should be favourites, but Amorim stressed that no game in the Premier League is straightforward.

“This league teaches you humility,” he said. “Brentford fight for every ball, they are dangerous at set pieces, and their crowd gives them energy. We need to start the game like we did against Chelsea and Burnley—with urgency and aggression. If we do that, we can control the match.”

For United, the fixture carries added weight beyond league standings. A win would not only represent a small step towards stability but also act as a tribute to Amad in his absence.

Mazraoui Sidelined Until Mid-October

The manager also provided an update on the squad’s injury situation, confirming that Noussair Mazraoui will miss several games after picking up a knock against Chelsea.

The Moroccan full-back will be unavailable until after the upcoming international break, ruling him out of the Brentford clash as well as the home tie against Sunderland. However, Amorim expects him to be fit to face Liverpool on October 19, a date already circled in red by fans.

While the injury is a setback, Amorim appeared confident that his squad has the depth to cope. Diogo Dalot is expected to cover at right-back, while youngster Ethan Wheatley could also be involved in the matchday squad.

Building for the Long Term

For all the challenges—injuries, personal tragedies, and external noise—Amorim has remained consistent in his messaging: focus on the essentials, keep improving, and ignore distractions.

United’s season has been turbulent, but there is a sense that the foundations are being laid for something steadier. The win over Chelsea demonstrated flashes of fluidity and discipline, two qualities that Amorim has been trying to instil since his arrival.

“Every game, we must build on the last,” he said. “That is how momentum comes. Not one win here or there, but a series of strong performances. That is our challenge.”

A Squad United for Amad

Manchester City v Manchester United – Premier League

Within the squad, players are reportedly determined to dedicate their performance at Brentford to Amad Diallo. Several team-mates, including Garnacho and captain Bruno Fernandes, have privately expressed their support for the winger during this difficult time.

The unity in the dressing room has been one of Amorim’s early achievements as coach. He has sought to create a culture where players feel responsible for one another, and Saturday’s game offers a chance to show that solidarity on the pitch.

If United can secure back-to-back victories for the first time under Amorim, it will not only boost their position in the table but also stand as a fitting tribute to a team-mate enduring personal pain.

Conclusion: More Than Just Football

Saturday’s trip to Brentford is about far more than three points. It is about a squad rallying around a grieving team-mate, about a coach reinforcing his values, and about a club trying to balance football’s relentless demands with the human realities that underpin it.

Amad Diallo’s absence is a reminder that players are not just athletes but sons, brothers, and friends. Ruben Amorim’s words, urging his team to “win for Amad,” carry weight because they come from a place of empathy as much as ambition.

United have stumbled often this season, but perhaps moments like this—when football and life intersect—can provide the clarity and togetherness needed to move forward.

For Amorim, for United, and most importantly for Amad, the hope will be that Saturday’s performance in London can bring both points on the board and a small measure of comfort in a week overshadowed by loss.