Amad Diallo dealt further Manchester United blow following Erik ten Hag’s hypocritical comments

Amad Diallo has been dealt a further blow after Erik ten Hag admits he was “pleased” with Antony during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Burnley.

Although it was Antony who scored Manchester United‘s only goal during their 1-1 draw with Burnley on Saturday afternoon, many fans were angered to see that the Brazilian was starting over Amad Diallo.

Amad has had an unfortunate start to this season. He suffered a long-term injury during the first four months of the campaign and struggled to get minutes under Erik ten Hag after the club chose to keep him at Old Trafford rather than loan him in January.

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Following a brilliantly successful season with Sunderland in the Championship, 2023/24 was meant to be the year that Amad finally started to flourish in United red. However, he has played just 232 minutes this season, scoring just one goal.

That goal may just be United’s most important this season, coming as a winning finish against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals – and many fans have been pleading with Ten Hag to start Amad over Antony ever since.

A blow for Amad

Unfortunately for Amad, Erik ten Hag decided to praise Antony, his rival on the right wing, after the game, explaining that he was “pleased” with what the Brazilian showed against Burney.

“He was a threat all through,” Ten Hag told reporters after the game. “It wasn’t a surprise he scored a goal as he also had more chances before that to score a goal.

“Two or three times, with his runs and good movements in the box. He was there and we are pleased with his performance today.”

Ten Hag has always supported Antony despite the winger’s scoring just two goals all season. Following these comments, it does not look likely that Amad will be given a start any time soon despite fan pleas.

Opinion: it’s hypocritical from Ten Hag

It feels somewhat hypocritical that Antony keeps getting the chance to start despite Erik ten Hag himself admitting that Amad deserves to play.

Speaking last week before United’s win over Sheffield, the Dutch manager told reporters: “Amad deserves it, but don’t forget he had a long period in the season injured, so we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and (made) a real contribution. (On Sunday against Coventry) He played in the position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well.

“We have a number of players in that area, there is big competition. He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have (Alejandro) Garnacho, Antony, we have Omari Forson.

“We have a number of players in that position, and we have to make choices there. But I am very happy with his performances and his progress, I see his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game.”

If Amad deserves game time, that is what he should be given.