Chukwueze under Amorim is showing promise as the AC Milan winger embraces a new wing-back role ahead of the 2026/27 season

Samuel Chukwueze is enjoying a promising new chapter at AC Milan under head coach Ruben Amorim after starring in the club’s 4-2 pre-season victory over Manchester United in Wroclaw on Saturday.

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The 27-year-old Nigerian winger scored once and provided two assists in an impressive performance that highlighted his potential in Amorim’s new tactical system.

Chukwueze’s display was particularly significant because Amorim has been experimenting with the Nigerian in a wing-back role, a position he had never regularly occupied during his professional career.

Rather than resisting the tactical change, Chukwueze has embraced the challenge and believes the opportunity could help him finally establish himself at Milan.

“Yes, he’s a good coach. He trusts me, so he gave me an opportunity. Now it’s up to me to seize it,” Chukwueze told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He simply gave me faith, and I think I have to take advantage of it. I can’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, returning to Milan after my loan.”

The Nigerian’s comments underline the importance of Amorim’s confidence in him after a difficult spell at the Italian club.

Chukwueze joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023 but has struggled to consistently secure a starting place. A loan move to Fulham last season provided an opportunity for regular Premier League football.

At Fulham, Chukwueze made 23 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and registering four assists. He also developed a strong understanding with fellow Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.

Fulham ultimately decided against activating the €26 million purchase option in his loan agreement, resulting in Chukwueze’s return to Milan.

That return could now prove more significant than initially expected.

Amorim’s willingness to deploy Chukwueze in a different position has opened a fresh route into the Milan starting XI.

The Nigerian acknowledges that adapting will not be straightforward.

“Although it’s a position I have to adapt to because I’ve never played in this position in my career,” he said.

“As a footballer, if a coach wants you to play in this position, you have to do it by believing in yourself and in the coach, because he knows what he wants.”

Chukwueze’s attitude appears to have impressed the coaching staff, with the player admitting that he is still learning the defensive and positional demands of his new role.

“Yes, a lot. For me, I think it’s something I need to work on. It’s my first time playing in this position, so I’m continuing to work hard,” he said.

The winger also revealed that Amorim has been actively helping him understand the tactical requirements of the position.

“Every time I make a mistake, he tells me, ‘Oh, Chukwueze, this is what you have to do.’ So I think I’ll improve before the season starts.”

That relationship could be crucial to Chukwueze’s hopes of enjoying a more productive spell at Milan.

The pre-season performance against Manchester United offered an encouraging indication of what he can bring to Amorim’s system. His attacking instincts remain intact, while his willingness to adapt could give Milan greater flexibility on the flank.

For Chukwueze, the immediate objective is to turn that impressive performance into sustained form when competitive football begins.

“I just have to keep working hard, believing in myself and that I can do it,” he said. “I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, that I can do anything.”

After returning from Fulham with his Milan future uncertain, Chukwueze now appears to have another opportunity to prove his value.

If he can successfully master Amorim’s demanding wing-back role while retaining the pace, creativity and attacking threat that have defined his career, the new tactical experiment could become a turning point.

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For the Nigerian international, the message from pre-season is encouraging: the door at Milan is open again, and Chukwueze appears determined to walk through it.