The subdued reaction from several high-profile Manchester United players on social media following Erik ten Hag’s recent dismissal underscored the growing friction within the squad. The lack of posts acknowledging or thanking Ten Hag revealed underlying tensions that had quietly festered, with players and fans alike left to interpret these unspoken messages.
One player’s response, however, was particularly noteworthy. Amad Diallo, the young and promising winger, refrained from any public farewell to Ten Hag after the manager was dismissed by INEOS following a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham United. While it’s common for players to differ in their online activity levels, Amad’s silence stood out, especially given his history with Ten Hag. This absence of acknowledgment fueled speculation about the strain in their relationship and hinted at Amad’s dissatisfaction with how he was treated under Ten Hag’s management.
In contrast, Amad had no hesitation in openly showing his appreciation for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when the Dutchman’s temporary tenure ended. The winger posted a heartfelt farewell to Van Nistelrooy on Instagram, expressing gratitude and respect. For many fans, this post was an unambiguous sign of where Amad’s loyalty lay and indicated the depth of his rapport with Van Nistelrooy compared to Ten Hag.
A closer look reveals that Amad’s frustration was rooted in his lack of playing time under Ten Hag, despite his impressive performances during the previous season and pre-season. Ten Hag limited Amad’s appearances, allowing him substantial minutes in only half of the 14 matches he managed. These limited opportunities denied Amad the consistency he needed to build confidence and rhythm, a decision that bewildered supporters who saw great potential in him.
Van Nistelrooy’s arrival, though brief, marked a noticeable shift. Recognizing Amad’s potential, he started the young winger in United’s final two matches under his management. Amad seized the opportunity, delivering a stellar performance in the Europa League victory against PAOK, where he scored twice, breaking United’s six-match European winless streak. In the following game, a 3-0 triumph over Leicester, Amad shone once more, assisting Bruno Fernandes and showcasing his flair and versatility on the field. These performances confirmed to fans that Amad was ready for bigger responsibilities.
However, as Van Nistelrooy’s time with the club concluded and it became clear he would not be joining new head coach Ruben Amorim’s staff, Amad once again expressed his admiration for Van Nistelrooy through a heartfelt social media message. This open display of respect further highlighted his discontent with Ten Hag’s leadership, contrasting his gratitude for Van Nistelrooy’s guidance with his silence toward Ten Hag.
Fans, already disillusioned by some of Ten Hag’s controversial choices, were particularly frustrated with his decision to start Noussair Mazraoui over Amad in a critical fixture. This selection, in the eyes of many supporters, embodied the missed opportunities Amad had endured under Ten Hag’s tenure. Van Nistelrooy, on the other hand, made a point of encouraging Amad and giving him chances to excel, a support that many fans felt had been sorely lacking under Ten Hag.
In the aftermath of Ten Hag’s departure, the contrasting sentiments between Amad and Van Nistelrooy became symbolic of the broader issues within Manchester United’s dressing room. Amad’s struggles, Ten Hag’s tactical preferences, and Van Nistelrooy’s supportive approach all converged to create a poignant narrative of unfulfilled potential, raising questions about the missed opportunities for a talented player and highlighting fans’ increasing frustration over manageri
al decisions.