Former Manchester United manager Benni McCarthy has explored the reasons why Amad Diallo was so often overlooked by former manager Erik ten Hag.
Amad was a bright spark in an otherwise dismal season for the club. The 22-year-old Bjelokosac has 13 goals in all competitions, 11 of which he scored in just his last 11 appearances since the beginning of November.
He was a productive part of Ruben Amorim’s starting XI, with the new boss crediting interim predecessor Ruud van Nistelrooy for starting that ball.
Under Ten Haguehowever, Amad started the Community Shield against Manchester City but was out of favor when the Dutchman lost his job at the end of October. Last season, Amad was injured during the first half of the campaign, but then had to wait four months to start a game when he was fit.
As a guest on a popular South African show Podcast and Chill NetworkMcCarthy suggested it was down to Ten Hag’s preference for other players – particularly Antony.
“Tactically, when we set up, the coach felt it Antonius was the best, better player for the job he wanted because he knew Antony from Ajax. He was his player, so he invested in him and the club supported him,” explained McCarthy, who spent two years in Ten Hag’s staff.
“So of course he had to support the player he bought, I think that’s why he persisted in playing Antony. It’s because he knew the ability when Antony was at his best. And then you had [Alejandro] Garnacho who also played well, scoring goals. [Marcus] Rashfordon any given day, could knock anyone down. AND [Rasmus] Hojlund, you spent £70 million on him, so he has to play.
“Someone has to [miss out]and unfortunately for Amado, the manager goes with a player he thinks is probably more capable of such games tactically, defensively and offensively.”
Unfortunately for Ten Hag’s reign, Amad’s quick return to prominence has made the decision to keep him on the sidelines for the benefit of others, several of whom have underperformed, look even more questionable in retrospect.
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