BREAKING NEWS: “He’s treating me the same way he handled Jadon Sancho. I’ve been kept on the bench without any justification, yet I haven’t spoken out. I push myself harder in training than any other winger here, but I still don’t get a chance to play. It’s completely unjust,” said the frustrated Manchester United winger, openly criticizing Erik ten Hag after the coach suggested that Antony’s effort in training was greater.

Amad Diallo, Manchester United’s young and gifted winger, found it difficult to mask his frustration during the club’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce on Thursday. The 22-year-old had begun the season on a high note, delivering performances that not only caught the eye of the fans but also earned him the accolade of United’s Player of the Month for August. However, despite his impressive form, he was introduced to the game as a late substitute in the 89th minute, a move that left supporters perplexed and stirred up significant debate among the club’s followers.

 

Diallo’s performances earlier in the season included standout showings against some of the league’s strongest teams such as Manchester City, Brighton, and Fulham. His dynamic play suggested that he would be a regular in the lineup, especially with United’s ongoing struggles with injuries that have affected the availability of key players. Yet, surprisingly, Diallo has found himself starting only once in the last five matches, as manager Erik ten Hag has opted to give other players the nod ahead of him. This decision has sparked a wave of speculation and frustration among the fans, many of whom see Diallo as a player who could provide much-needed creativity and attacking threat.

 

Adding to the surprise, Ten Hag decided to place full-back Noussair Mazraoui in a more advanced No. 10 role during the Fenerbahce game, rather than utilizing Diallo’s attacking prowess from the outset. As the match hung in the balance with the score tied at 1-1, Ten Hag further raised eyebrows by choosing to substitute Antony in place of Marcus Rashford, leaving fans questioning why Diallo was not called upon earlier, given his recent form and the team’s need for a goal. These choices have fueled ongoing debates about the manager’s tactics and his management of Diallo’s development.

 

Following the game, Ten Hag attempted to justify his decision, explaining that although Diallo had been performing admirably, Antony had demonstrated impressive commitment and influence during recent training sessions, making him a viable option to change the course of the match. “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 remarked, defending his decision to favor Antony over Diallo. This rationale, however, did little to alleviate the concerns of fans who viewed the timing of Diallo’s substitution as a misstep.

 

Diallo eventually made his way onto the field following an injury to Antony, but the frustration on his face was evident as he prepared to enter the match at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. His body language betrayed his disappointment at being brought on so late, and it was clear to observers that the young winger was disheartened. Members of United’s coaching staff, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson, made efforts to motivate Diallo as he readied himself to take the pitch, but his visible discontent suggested that their words offered little solace.

 

The incident quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans expressing their displeasure over how the situation was handled. Many felt that Diallo deserved a more prominent role in the match and criticized the decision to start a defender in an attacking position over him. “Regardless of Amad’s skill, starting a right-back in his role is just disrespectful,” wrote one supporter online, while another echoed, “He has every reason to feel upset.” This sentiment resonated across various fan platforms, where the consensus was that Diallo’s talents were not being fully utilized.

 

The apparent mishandling of Diallo’s playing time has cast a shadow over his future at the club, with supporters questioning how United views one of their most promising young stars. One fan articulated the prevailing sentiment, stating, “If you’re Amad Diallo, tonight was a setback, clearly reflecting how the club currently views him.” The situation has reignited discussions about Diallo’s place in the team and whether the approach being taken is in the best interest of his development, especially when his skills could potentially provide the spark United needs during this challenging period.