Amad Diallo’s limited game time under former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag stemmed from the coach’s preference for players he had personally signed, according to former United first team coach Benni McCarthy. McCarthy, who worked with Ten Hag for two years, observed Diallo’s progress at Old Trafford but also witnessed him being consistently overlooked and subsequently loaned out to Rangers and Sunderland. This, McCarthy asserts, was due to Ten Hag’s inclination towards players like Antony and Rasmus Hojlund, individuals he had specifically targeted and for whom the club had invested heavily. Ten Hag’s familiarity with Antony from their shared time at Ajax played a significant role, as did the substantial financial outlay for Hojlund. These factors, combined with the impressive form of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, placed Diallo lower in the pecking order.
McCarthy explains that Ten Hag believed Antony was tactically better suited to his system, a belief reinforced by their previous working relationship. This prior connection allowed Ten Hag a deeper understanding of Antony’s capabilities and, coupled with the club’s financial backing of the transfer, solidified the player’s place in the starting lineup. Furthermore, Garnacho’s emergence as a goalscoring threat and Rashford’s consistent ability to be a game-changer further limited Diallo’s opportunities. The arrival of Hojlund, commanding a £70 million transfer fee, added another obstacle for Diallo, as the club’s investment demanded that the new signing receive significant playing time. Thus, according to McCarthy, Diallo became the unfortunate casualty of a crowded attacking roster and the manager’s tactical preferences.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim as Manchester United’s new manager marked a dramatic shift in Diallo’s fortunes. Amorim immediately recognized Diallo’s potential and integrated him into the starting lineup, deploying him predominantly as a right wing-back in his preferred 3-4-3 formation. This tactical shift not only provided Diallo with consistent playing time but also allowed him to showcase his versatility and contribute significantly to the team’s attack. Under Amorim’s guidance, Diallo flourished, becoming a key figure in the squad and playing in all nine matches under the new manager.
This newfound prominence culminated in a memorable performance against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Diallo’s dynamic play proved crucial in United’s comeback victory, first by winning the penalty that Bruno Fernandes converted to equalize the score, and then by netting the winning goal himself, securing a 2-1 victory for the visitors. This performance solidified Diallo’s position as a vital asset to the team and underscored the impact of Amorim’s faith in his abilities. The contrasting fortunes of Diallo under Ten Hag and Amorim highlight the significant influence a manager’s tactical preferences and personnel choices can have on a player’s development and opportunities.
The contrasting managerial approaches of Ten Hag and Amorim underscore the impact a manager’s tactical vision and personnel decisions can have on a player’s career trajectory. While Ten Hag prioritized established relationships and significant investments, Amorim recognized Diallo’s untapped potential and provided the platform for him to flourish. Diallo’s resurgence under Amorim demonstrates the importance of finding the right environment and playing style to maximize a player’s strengths. The young Ivorian’s journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of setbacks, perseverance and the right opportunity can lead to remarkable success.
The story of Amad Diallo at Manchester United provides a compelling case study of the complexities of player management and the influence of managerial philosophy. Diallo’s initial struggles under Ten Hag and subsequent revival under Amorim highlight the importance of a manager’s trust, tactical approach, and player selection. While Diallo’s talent remained constant, his opportunities and performance varied drastically depending on the managerial approach. This emphasizes the critical role a manager plays in shaping a player’s career, and how the right combination of circumstances can unlock a player’s true potential.
