Former Manchester United coach reveals why Amad Diallo barely played under Erik ten Hag
Share:
Amad Diallo did not get much of a chance to shine under Erik ten Hag because Antony was considered the better option, says former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy. While the Red Devils continue to struggle under new manager Ruben Amorim, Amad has been a standout performer in recent weeks.
![[Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1835781865.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
His display in the Manchester derby was particularly impressive as he won the game late on for United and he has quickly become a fixture in the starting XI for Amorim. However, that wasn’t the case under previous boss Ten Hag as the Ivorian spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Sunderland and made just three Premier League starts over the last campaign.
![[Manchester United v Rayo Vallecano - Pre-Season Friendly]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1242235250.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
McCarthy, who was part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff, says competition for places in the forward line was fierce and particularly it was Antony who was ahead of Amad in the pecking order after he was signed from Ajax for an initial £82m. ‘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 told the Podcast and Chill Network.
‘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 then you’ve got [Rasmus] Hojlund, you spend £70m on bringing him in, so he has to play.
