Amad Diallo could be the solution to Erik ten Hag’s biggest problem ahead of Man Utd vs Fenerbahce

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Ahead of taking on Fenerbahce in Turkey, Erik ten Hag has some serious decisions to make with Amad Diallo potentially central to one problem.

Thursday night presents Manchester United with a massive opportunity to finally build some momentum this season and secure back-to-back wins for only a second time this season.

However, in order to achieve this, Erik ten Hag will need to do something Sir Alex Ferguson never managed: beat a Jose Mourinho side away from home.

Confidence however will be high, particularly after an encouraging second-half performance against Brentford last Saturday.

If Ten Hag is to secure a second successive win, it would need to be done without the suspended Bruno Fernandes – but perhaps Amad Diallo could be the solution.

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

How Amad Diallo could solve the biggest problem for Erik ten Hag

Bruno Fernandes being suspended is a real concern – his absence felt double because Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo are also out injured.

This leaves United with three recognised senior midfielders heading to Istanbul – leaving Ten Hag little room for manoeuvre and in terms of a natural number 10, only an in-form Christian Eriksen can fit the bill.

However, Amad Diallo could offer a solution in behind the striker – a position fans have long assumed the Ivorian would naturally evolve into considering his sublime technical ability and creativity would make him a nightmare for defenders.

The 22-year-old has never been used in this role at United, but it is one that is familiar to him, with 14 games in his career in attacking midfield.

To have such a record in the No.10 slot shows why Amad is a viable option which Ten Hag should really be considering.

Amad’s qualities lend themselves well to being a No.10 and he could therefore be the perfect Bruno replacement both short and long-term while the Portuguese Magnifico struggles.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Manchester United’s player of the month from August deserves better

Amad started the season so well, and even though United have struggled, he has remained consistently very good after his £19m move three years ago.

Amad won United’s club Player of the Month award in August for his role in United’s one win that month.

These factors make it confusing that Ten Hag has effectively cut him out of the first-team picture, with not a single minute played in the Premier League in October.

When on the pitch, Amad has been one of the most creative players in the league, averaging 3.16 chances created per 90 – in the top 6% of his positional peers.

United are undeniably a better team when Amad plays – so on Thursday night against a midfield pairing familiar to United, Ten Hag should trial a new role for Amad. It could save the manager a real headache.