Former United Coach Reveals Why Amad was Benched Under Ten Hag
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on why Amad Diallo struggled to break into the team under Erik ten Hag.
Despite being a shining star in an otherwise dismal season, Amad’s talents were often overlooked by the Dutch manager.
Amad Diallo’s Rise to Prominence Under Ruben Amorim
The 22-year-old Ivorian has been in impressive form, with 13 goal involvements across all competitions.
His productivity has been a key factor in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI, with the new manager praising interim predecessor Ruud van Nistelrooy for recognizing Amad’s potential.
Ten Hag’s Tactical Preferences and Amad’s Limited Opportunities
McCarthy, who spent two years on Ten Hag’s staff, attributed Amad’s limited opportunities to the manager’s tactical preferences.
Ten Hag’s familiarity with Antony from their time at Ajax led him to favor the Brazilian winger.
Additionally, the form of players like Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund further limited Amad’s chances.
In an interview with South Africa’s Podcast and Chill Network, McCarthy explained that Ten Hag’s decision to overlook Amad was based on his assessment of the player’s capabilities.
McCarthy stated that Amad’s omission was not a reflection of his talent, but rather a result of Ten Hag’s tactical priorities and the competition for places in the team.
“Tactically, when we set up, the manager felt that Antony was the best, better player for the job that he wanted because he knew Antony from Ajax.
He was his player, so he invested in him, and the club supported him,” McCarthy, who spent two years on Ten Hag’s staff, explained.
“So, of course, he had to support the player that he bought, I think that’s why he persisted in playing Antony.
It’s because he knew the capabilities when Antony was at his best. And then you had [Alejandro] Garnacho who was also playing well, scoring goals. [Marcus] Rashford, on any given day, could demolish anyone. And [Rasmus] Hojlund, you spend £70m on bringing him in, so he has to play.
“Someone’s got to [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking.”
Amad’s rapid rise to prominence under Ruben Amorim, the decision to keep him on the bench under Ten Hag appears increasingly questionable.
The contrast between Amad’s current form and the underperformance of some of his teammates has only served to highlight the error of Ten Hag’s ways.
