Manchester, England—In a recent turn of events, Manchester United’s young winger Amad Diallo appeared to hint at a lingering dissatisfaction with former manager Erik ten Hag, suggesting past tensions. His statement, though brief, has drawn attention and added to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding ten Hag’s time with United, especially in the wake of his recent departure.
Following ten Hag’s exit, several prominent United players refrained from posting any public farewells or acknowledgments, which sparked speculation about internal friction within the team. The silence from these players, typically more active on social media, hinted at underlying tensions.
Amad’s own reaction—or lack thereof—was particularly noted, as he chose not to publicly address ten Hag’s departure. His choice stood out, partly due to his past experiences with ten Hag, and led some fans to speculate that Amad may have felt overlooked or underutilized by the former manager.
In contrast, Amad didn’t hold back his appreciation for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when the Dutchman’s brief time with the club came to an end. The winger expressed his gratitude on Instagram, and many saw this post as a clear indication of where his loyalty and respect lay, reinforcing a visible contrast in his relationships with Van Nistelrooy and ten Hag.
Amad’s frustrations may have stemmed from limited opportunities to play under ten Hag, despite his potential and impressive preseason showings. Throughout ten Hag’s time managing the club, Amad only received significant minutes in seven out of 14 matches. This inconsistency hindered his development and confidence, leaving fans puzzled over why Amad hadn’t been given a more substantial role.
Van Nistelrooy’s brief period as interim manager was transformative for Amad. Recognizing the young player’s potential, he provided Amad with valuable starts, including two strong performances in United’s final matches under his charge. Amad particularly shone in a Europa League game against PAOK, where he scored twice and ended United’s six-game European winless streak.
He followed up with a stellar performance in a 3-0 victory over Leicester, contributing an assist to Bruno Fernandes and demonstrating his creativity and skill. These appearances reinforced fans’ belief that Amad could be a vital player if given the right support and playing time.
After Van Nistelrooy’s interim role ended, Amad publicly expressed his appreciation once more, underscoring his gratitude for the interim manager’s encouragement. Fans interpreted this gesture as a stark contrast to his silence following ten Hag’s departure, which further underscored the apparent divide in his relationship with the two managers.
This dynamic became especially evident when ten Hag, in a critical match, chose to start Noussair Mazraoui over Amad. For many fans, this decision represented yet another missed opportunity for Amad to show his potential, leaving them frustrated with what they perceived as unfulfilled potential under ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy’s approach, on the other hand, had given Amad the chance to thrive, which fans believed had been lacking under ten Hag’s leadership.
In the wake of ten Hag’s exit, the contrasting dynamics between Amad’s experiences under him and Van Nistelrooy reflect the challenges within United’s recent management. Amad’s journey, ten Hag’s tactical choices, and Van Nistelrooy’s support have collectively highlighted missed opportunities for a promising player, leaving fans questioning the club’s managerial decisions.
