Erik ten Hag defends decision of playing Antony over Amad Diallo

In an attempt to show appreciation to Antony for his strong training performances, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has disclosed that he passed over Amad Diallo. In their third UEFA Europa League game, United was held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce.

Christian Eriksen gave the Red Devils the lead against the flow of play. Fenerbahce restored parity shortly after the restart, and United was unable to maintain their lead. To make sure the points were distributed, Youssef En-Nesyri made the most of Erik ten Hag's men's pathetic defense. The outcome, a third consecutive draw in this competition, puts United between Viktoria Pilzen and Elfsborg in 21st place in the playoff standings.

Amad was kept out of Ten Hag's starting lineup in yet another match, which was made to appear even more odd given that he used Noussair Mazraoui in an unconventional attacking role. Ten Hag's decision to select Mazraoui over the Ivorian caused some questions, given Amad has played in the number 10 position before.

“ I must also reward the performances of Antony” : Erik ten Hag

Ten Hag may have indicated that despite Amad's outstanding start to the season, he is now oddly near the bottom of the hierarchy by starting Antony off the bench instead of him, which only served to exacerbate the situation. After the game, Erik ten Hag defended his decision as he spoke to the media. 

Erik ten Hag said, “Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training, he is a threat almost every training, so I felt in that moment to bring him, to decide the game. From two tough away games, Porto and Fenerbahce, we take two points, this is a result. Point in Porto, point in Fenerbahce, that’s not bad, but of course we want to win. We want to win every game.”

The former Ajax manager added, “Away from home in Europe, hectic ambience, to start with four attackers is too much. Nous [Mazraoui] is very capable to play that position. I made him a full-back, when he played No 10. He was helping midfield, supporting Zirkzee in pressing, big part of goal for Eriksen.””