Ex-Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has delved into the reasons why Amad Diallo was so often overlooked by former manager Erik ten Hag.
Amad has been the bright spark in an otherwise dismal season for the club. The 22-year-old Ivorian has 13 goal involvements to his name across all competitions, 11 of which have come in his last 11 appearances alone since early November.
He’s been a productive part of Ruben Amorim’s starting XI, with the new boss crediting interim predecessor Ruud van Nistelrooy for starting that ball rolling.
Under Ten Hag, however, Amad had started the Community Shield against Manchester City but was out of favour by the time 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 once fit.
As a guest on South Africa’s popular Podcast and Chill Network, McCarthy has suggested it came down to Ten Hag’s preference for other players – particularly Antony.
“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.”
Unfortunately for Ten Hag’s reign, Amad’s rapid rise back to prominence has made the decision to keep him on the periphery for the benefit of others, several of whom have underperformed, look all the more questionable with hindsight.
