Fenerbahce personnel were left stunned by Erik ten Hag’s decision to introduce Amad Diallo late in Manchester United’s 1-1 Europa League draw on Thursday night, according to The Athletic.
The Dutch tactician, who raised eyebrows by deploying Noussair Mazraoui in an attacking midfield role, reportedly surprised the opposition bench by keeping the Ivorian winger on the sidelines for almost the entire match before bringing him on for the injured Antony in the 89th minute.
According to The Athletic, Amad was ‘evidently upset’ at not starting the game and at being left on the bench as Antony was brought on before him in the 73rd minute.
United’s coaching staff trio – Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson – reportedly ‘all tried to cajole him into a smile’ before the 22-year-old finally came on for the last few minutes, during which he made three touches and completed two passes.
When questioned after the match about his decision to delay using Amad, Ten Hag explained that Antony’s strong performance in recent training sessions was the reason.
The Red Devils recorded their third consecutive draw in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Christian Eriksen’s early goal cancelled out by Youssef En-Nesyri.
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