Ex Man United coach reveals why Ten Hag kept ‘unstoppable’ star on the bench because “he had to support” his pupil | OneFootball

A member of Erik ten Hag’s technical staff at Manchester United explains why the former manager wasn’t keen on fielding Amad Diallo.

The young Ivorian signed for the Red Devils in January 2021, but he only recently managed to cement himself as a key player for the club. When Ten Hag was appointed in the summer of 2022, the winger was sent on loan to Sunderland, and despite his exploits at the Stadium of Light, he still found playing hard to come by in his following campaign at United.

Nevertheless, the 22-year-old’s fortunes improved when the Dutch tactician was shown the door in October. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was all too happy to rely on his services, and the new trend continued with Ruben Amorim taking the reins. The former Atalanta man has arguably been the most consistent Man United player since the Portuguese’s appointment, with his club captain Bruno Fernandes describing him as ‘unstoppable‘.

Hence, Diallo’s recent exploits raise questions over Ten Hag’s baffling choices and his refusal to grant the Ivory Coast international a role that befits his immense capabilities.

Well, Benni McCarthy, who served as striker coach during Ten Hag’s first two seasons at Carrington has the answer.

The South African explains that the former Ajax man always had his old pupil Antony on top of the pecking order for the right-winger role. And even though the Brazilian failed to produce the goods, the manager needed to back his £84-million signing.

“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,” explains McCarthy in his interview with the Podcast and Chill Network (via Metro).

Benny McCarthy explains why Erik ten Hag kept playing Antony ahead of Amad Diallo

“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.

“So someone’s gotta [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for, for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking.” concluded the former Premier League striker.