Manchester United’s talented winger, Amad Diallo, couldn’t conceal his frustration during the team’s Europa League match against Fenerbahce on Thursday. Despite his strong start to the season and impressive performances that earned him United’s Player of the Month title in August, Diallo was only brought on in the 89th minute—a late substitution that has sparked conversations among fans.
Diallo, now 22, showcased his form earlier in the season with standout performances against top teams like Manchester City, Brighton, and Fulham. However, he has only been in United’s starting lineup once in the last five matches, as manager Erik ten Hag has given preference to other players. This decision has puzzled fans, especially with United’s current injury struggles, which seemed likely to give Diallo more playing time.
Nevertheless, in a surprising move, Ten Hag assigned full-back Noussair Mazraoui to the No. 10 position during the game. As United searched for a decisive goal with the score tied at 1-1, Ten Hag opted to bring Antony onto the pitch instead of calling on Marcus Rashford, a move that further stirred debate.
After the match, Ten Hag addressed his choice, explaining that while Diallo had been performing well, Antony’s dedication and impact in recent training sessions made him a strong contender. “Amad has been performing well, but I need to recognize Antony’s efforts in training. He consistently poses a threat, so I believed he could be a decisive factor tonight,” Ten Hag commented, defending his decision to prioritize Antony over Diallo.
Diallo eventually joined the game after Antony sustained an injury, but fans were vocal about their disappointment, feeling that this substitution came far too late. The visible frustration on Diallo’s face as he prepared to enter the pitch at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium did not go unnoticed. Members of United’s coaching staff, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson, tried to encourage Diallo as he got ready to take the field, but his disappointment was clear.
The incident quickly spread online, with fans expressing their frustration at the situation. One supporter took to social media, stating, “Regardless of Amad’s skill, starting a right-back in his role is just disrespectful.” Another chimed in, “He has every reason to feel upset.” The sentiment resonated with other fans, who echoed similar thoughts.
One remarked, “Amad has proven his offensive skills all season. Subbing Antony in before him? Totally confusing.” Another fan added, “Seeing Amad visibly disappointed is understandable. One of our top attackers left on the bench when we’re chasing a goal? Just doesn’t add up.”
The frustration reached a peak as one fan summed up the general feeling: “If you’re Amad Diallo, tonight was a setback, clearly reflecting how the club currently views him.” The situation has ignited debate about Diallo’s place in the squad, with fans questioning the approach to one of United’s most promising young talents, especially at a time when his skills could be instrumental for the team.
