Benni McCarthy, a former Manchester United coach, has explained why in-form winger Amad Diallo often played minor roles under former Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, Soccernet.football reports.
Amad has been a standout performer in an otherwise tough start to life under new head coach Ruben Amorim, with 13 goal contributions across all competitions, including 11 in his last 11 games for United.
However, the 23-year-old had found opportunities hard to come by under United’s former Dutch boss. The Ivorian winger surprisingly found himself behind Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford in the pecking order despite impressing earlier in the season when he was given the nod.
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McCarthy, a former South Africa international and the Red Devils’ striker coach for two years under Ten Hag, has now revealed why the Cote D’Ivoire international saw so little playing time.
Speaking as a guest on South Africa’s popular Podcast and Chill Network, McCarthy appeared to attribute Amad’s limited opportunities to Ten Hag’s preference for other players – particularly Antony.
“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,” McCarthy explained.
“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 [Rasmus] Hojlund, you spend £70m on bringing him in, so he has to play.
“Someone’s got to [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking.”
