Erik ten Hag’s spell as Manchester United manager was a topsy-turvy one to say the least, with the Dutchman ultimately falling below the standards many expected upon his arrival.
He won two trophies during his two full seasons in charge at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, with the latter coming against rivals Manchester City in 2023/24.
However, despite achieving a 56% win percentage, results were often too inconsistent, especially considering the 55-year-old spent over £600m on new additions during his tenure in the Premier League.
The likes of Antony, Casemiro and Andre Onana were all signed under his watchful eye, leading to questions being asked about the recruitment, given their lack of impact since their respective big-money moves.
Ten Hag also made numerous questionable decisions over the minutes handed out to players already at his disposal – often leading to discontent from the Red Devils fanbase.
Ten Hag’s reluctance to utilise Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo joined United back in January 2021, costing a small fortune after the hierarchy paid a fee in the region of £37m after making just five senior appearances before his move to England.
The Ivorian would only make nine appearances in his first two years at Old Trafford, before spending the second half of his second year out on loan at Rangers.
Another loan spell at Sunderland, where he scored 14 times, would catapult him into Ten Hag’s side for the 2023/24 campaign – but he would often struggle to get into the manager’s first-team plans.
Amad would only make 12 appearances across all competitions, with only four of his outings coming from a starting position – subsequently falling down the manager’s pecking order.
Such decision-making from the manager would lead to concerns from the fanbase, especially given his form away from Old Trafford on a temporary basis the year prior.
The attacker has since recaptured his best form with the Red Devils since the former manager’s dismissal, highlighting the mistake Ten Hag made by not playing him during his tenure at the club.
The former United star who was ahead of Amad
Over the last 12 months, Amad has developed into a key first-team member, with Ruben Amorim utilising the 23-year-old on a consistent basis since taking the reins in November last year.
Despite an ankle injury disrupting his progress, Diallo still managed to rack up 26 Premier League appearances – ending the campaign with 14 combined goals and assists.
His most impressive outing came against Southampton at Old Trafford, scoring a second-half hat-trick and securing a 3-1 victory after being 1-0 at the break.
The youngster also netted the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, further showcasing the impressive nature he demonstrated despite the measly Premier League finish.
However, whilst his career at the club has been saved by Amorim, he was once behind Omari Forson in the pecking order during Ten Hag’s stint in charge of the Red Devils.
The midfielder joined the club at the age of 15, spending various years in the youth system before making his first senior start against Fulham back in February 2024.
The youngster would end the season with seven appearances for the senior side, leading to Statman Dave labelling the teenager as an “exceptional” talent.
Forson was often preferred to Amad during such a campaign, leading to questions being asked of the manager by the fanbase – especially given the Englishman’s move away from the Red Devils.
The 21-year-old departed Old Trafford at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024, rejecting the chance to extend his stay in Manchester in favour of a new challenge.
Games played
11
Minutes played
233
Goals & assists
0
Pass accuracy
86%
Tackles made
1.2
Cross success
33%
Duels won
45%
Dribbled past
0.9
He subsequently joined Serie A side Monza on a free transfer last summer, making just 11 appearances last campaign – so far being unable to match the potential he emerged through the ranks with.
Given his failures away from Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s decision-making to utilise Forson ahead of Amad was a baffling one and one that was evidently a huge mistake.
As for the Ivorian, he will be hoping to kick on and build on his form from last year in the months ahead, hopefully playing a key role in any success endured during Amorim’s spell in charge.
