Erik ten Hag’s management decisions continue to raise eyebrows, particularly concerning Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. Recently, during United’s UEFA Europa League match against Fenerbahce, Ten Hag’s choice to overlook Diallo for the starting position has drawn significant criticism, especially considering the Ivorian's strong performances earlier this season.
Fans expected Diallo to feature prominently against Fenerbahce due to Bruno Fernandes' suspension. Instead, Ten Hag surprised many by opting for Noussair Mazraoui, primarily known as a right-back, to play as the attacking midfielder. Mazraoui, who had barely played this position before, spent most of the match struggling to make an impact, failing to create any chances. Diallo, by comparison, has shown his capabilities as he returned from his successful loan spell at Sunderland, where he played significantly at the No. 10 role.
Despite his potential and the standout statistics highlighting his performance, Diallo remained on the sidelines for most of the match. Fans were puzzled when Ten Hag sent on Antony to replace Marcus Rashford instead of Diallo. Just moments later, when Antony was injured and forced off, Diallo was finally called upon to step onto the pitch, but only with mere minutes left to play.
Visual evidence of Diallo’s disappointment was unmistakable. When he prepared to sub onto the field, he appeared visibly upset, contrasting sharply with the enthusiasm of his teammates and coaching staff who were seen attempting to lift his spirits. His demeanor sparked conversations among fans online, with many expressing sympathy for the young player, recognizing his talent which seems to be underutilized under Ten Hag’s management.
According to reports, the staff from Fenerbahce were taken aback by the lack of playing time for Diallo, who had clearly established himself as one of the most promising talents on United’s roster. Observers noted how the Fenerbahce game played out, with Diallo missing significant opportunities to make his mark earlier. He had shown his skill and determination by creating more chances than any other teammate when actually placed on the pitch, leading many to believe he should have been utilized earlier.
After the game, Ten Hag justified his choices by claiming he wanted to reward Antony for his strong training performances. "For Amad, he is doing well but we have to reward the performances of Antony in training. He is a threat almost every training, so I felt at the moment to bring him, to decide the game,” he explained. Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with Diallo’s contribution, hinting at his potential but also emphasizing the necessity of challenging conditions on European grounds.
Diallo's overall situation raises concerns. After demonstrating exceptional skill early on, his opportunities have dwindled dramatically over the past few matches. Following their Europa League performance against Fenerbahce, questions remain whether Diallo will receive the attention and trust he deserves from Ten Hag, particularly with the upcoming fixture against West Ham. Fans are hopeful to see Diallo regain his starting position and be provided with more chances to reestablish his form this season.
With fans echoing their support for his inclusion, many are watching closely to see if Ten Hag will adjust his strategy and allow Diallo to shine. His performances, particularly against Fenerbahce, underline the significant talent lying dormant waiting for its next opportunity to emerge. If Ten Hag decides to capitalize on this talent, it may very well be the boost Manchester United needs.
Diallo, too, has taken to social media after the match, expressing gratitude for the support from fans—a subtle nod to the frustrations he’s felt on the bench. How he will respond going forward remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 22-year-old is eager to seize his opportunity on the pitch and bring his talent to the forefront of United’s campaign.
Overall, the situation highlights the broader dialogue around the distribution of playtime among players and how management decisions impact team morale. While Ten Hag is undoubtedly trying to secure results, the call for consistency and fairness across his squad's talent pool cannot be overstated. If the manager fails to recognize Diallo’s contributions moving forward, he risks losing the confidence of both the player and the supporters.
