Former Manchester United manager Benny 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 goals to his name in all competitions, 11 of which have come in just his last 11 appearances since the start of November.
He has been a productive part of Ruben Amorim's starting line-up with the new boss crediting interim predecessor Ruud van Nistelrooy with starting the ball movement.
below Ten Hagshowever, Amad had started the Community Shield against Manchester City but was out of favor by the time the Dutchman lost his job at the end of October. Last season, Amad was injured during the first half of the season, but then had to wait four months to start a game once he was fit.
As a guest in popular South Africa Podcast and the Chill NetworkMcCarthy has suggested that this was due to Ten Hag's preference for other players – especially Antony.
“Tactically, when we were created, the manager felt it Anthony he was the best player, the best for the job he wanted, because he knew Anton from Ajax. He was his own player so he invested in him and the club supported him,” explained McCarthy, who spent two years on the Ten Hag staff.
“So, of course, he had to support the player he bought, I think that's why he insisted on playing Antony. It's because he knew the skills when Antony was at his best. And then you had (Alejandro) Garnacho who was also playing well, scoring goals. (Marcus) Rashfordon any given day, it could destroy anyone. And (Rasmus) Hojlund, you spend £70m to bring him in, so he has to play.
“Someone has to (lose) and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably best suited for those types of games tactically, defensively and offensively.”
Unfortunately for Ten Hag's reign, Amad's rapid return to fame has made the decision to keep him on the sidelines in favor of others, some of whom have underperformed, seem even more questionable. with a look back.