“Ten Hag was basically my nightmare and…” – Manchester United’s rising star Amad appeared to criticize Erik ten Hag with a pointed 10-word statement. This subtle yet impactful message seems to underscore lingering frustrations, adding to the scrutiny surrounding ten Hag’s tenure at United following his recent departure.
The reserved reactions from some prominent Manchester United players on social media after Erik ten Hag’s recent exit pointed to deep-seated rifts within the team. Their silence—marked by the absence of farewell posts for Ten Hag—hinted at hidden tensions, leaving both fans and teammates to interpret these quiet gestures.
One player’s response, however, drew particular attention: Amad Diallo, a highly regarded young winger, chose not to acknowledge Ten Hag’s dismissal publicly after the manager was let go by INEOS following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. Although it’s typical for players to differ in how active they are online, Amad’s lack of comment stood out due to his past experiences with Ten Hag. This silence stirred speculation that their relationship might have been strained, with fans wondering if Amad felt overlooked or undervalued under Ten Hag’s leadership.
In contrast, Amad was quick to express appreciation for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when the Dutchman’s short-term role ended. The winger shared a warm message on Instagram, clearly showing his respect and gratitude. For many fans, this post revealed where Amad’s loyalties lay and highlighted a stronger bond with Van Nistelrooy compared to his ties with Ten Hag.
Amad’s frustration seemed to stem from the limited playing time he received under Ten Hag, even after showing promise in the previous season and during pre-season. Despite his potential, Ten Hag often restricted Amad’s appearances, giving him significant minutes in only seven of the 14 games he managed. This lack of consistency hampered Amad’s ability to develop confidence and rhythm, baffling fans who saw potential for him to contribute more meaningfully.
Van Nistelrooy’s brief stint, however, marked a turning point. Recognizing Amad’s potential, he gave the young winger starts in United’s final two matches under his charge. Amad rose to the occasion, putting on an impressive performance in the Europa League win against PAOK, where he netted two goals, breaking United’s six-game European winless streak. In the next match, a 3-0 victory over Leicester, he once again impressed, assisting Bruno Fernandes and showcasing his creativity and skill. These performances convinced fans that Amad deserved more substantial roles on the field.
When Van Nistelrooy’s time with the club ended, and it became clear he wouldn’t join new head coach Ruben Amorim’s team, Amad once more took to social media, expressing his appreciation for the support he received from Van Nistelrooy. This open respect highlighted his dissatisfaction with Ten Hag, contrasting sharply with his gratitude for Van Nistelrooy’s encouragement.
Fans, already frustrated by some of Ten Hag’s choices, were especially disappointed when he opted to start Noussair Mazraoui over Amad in a key match. For many supporters, this decision exemplified the lost opportunities Amad faced under Ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy, in contrast, gave Amad the confidence to flourish, a support that fans felt had been lacking under Ten Hag.
Following Ten Hag’s departure, the clear differences between Amad’s feelings toward Van Nistelrooy and Ten Hag became emblematic of Manchester United’s internal struggles. Amad’s experiences, Ten Hag’s tactical decisions, and Van Nistelrooy’s supportive leadership all converged to tell a story of unfulfilled potential. This situation left fans questioning the missed chances for a talented player and further amplified their frustrations with the club’s managerial decisions.
