Erik ten Hag reveals key reason why Amad Diallo was snubbed for Man United vs Fenerbahce

Erik ten Hag has explained why Amad Diallo has barely played in recent Manchester United games after the draw against Fenerbahce.

Manchester United were forced to settle for their third Europa League draw of the campaign after giving up their 1-0 lead against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening.

Christian Eriksen gave United the lead with a brilliant finish from the edge of the box in the first half before Youssef En-Nesyri headed in an equaliser just after half-time.

Amad Diallo looked set to make it three consecutive games without a kick of the ball until substitute Antony suffered injury.

The underwhelming Brazilian had been brought on for Marcus Rashford beforehand, while a dejected Amad sat on the bench once again.

He did manage to get on the pitch for a handful of minutes due to Antony’s injury and immediately won United a dangerous free-kick after some smart footwork but there was no time for a major impact.

Amad won the club’s Player of the Month award in August, and after a tremendous pre-season tour, he looked set to take steps forward but has instead been demoted to the bench once again.

It seemed confusing for many that the Ivorian has not even been getting much time off the bench, but Ten Hag has explained that he wanted to reward Antony for his hard work at Carrington.

“Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training,” the manager explained after the game.

“He is a threat almost every training, so I felt in that moment to bring him, to decide the game.”

Of course, now that Antony looks set to be out of action for some time, Amad will be hoping to get more involvement.

Alejandro Garnacho was still wearing some form of strapping on his knee against Fenerbahce and has done so in the last four games.

After Kobbie Mainoo suffered injury through overplaying, Ten Hag must be wary of the Argentine winger gassing out as well.

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