Man Utd sensation shows Erik ten Hag’s worst ever decision looks even more embarrassing now, a sackable offence

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United youngster Amad produced a superb performance in the Europa League clash over PAOK.

Amad Diallo will hope Ruben Amorim was watching his display for Manchester United against PAOK.

The Ivorian winger was excellent in both halves and netted twice in the second 45 minutes to lead United to a 2-0 victory.

It was a superb contribution from the winger, who simply has not played enough football in 2024/25 so far.

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

Erik ten Hag did not back Amad enough

Erik ten Hag was reluctant to commit to Amad on a consistent basis, despite an encouraging start to the season.

Worryingly, the Dutchman did not back him when he did start, frequently substituting him early.

Amad has now played 80 minutes or more just three times this season, and he has scored in two of those matches.

His second goal against PAOK came in the 77th minute, when his hard work out of possession paid off, winning the ball back, and gave him the chance to score a sensational effort.

Under Ten Hag, there is a strong chance Amad would not have been on the pitch long enough to score the second goal.

Erik ten Hag preferred Mazraoui

It was laughable that in Manchester United’s last Europa League game, Noussair Mazraoui was selected as the attacking midfielder, with Amad sidelined.

Mazraoui was a blunt attacking threat, as you would expect when you select a full-back as number 10.

It was one of the worst ever decisions from a Manchester United manager, and he was sacked within days.

Amad’s performance in the same role further highlights the critical mistake from Ten Hag, and there can be little sympathy.

Amad makes things happen

Amad’s first ever goal came against AC Milan back in 2021. His biggest goal for Manchester United came against Liverpool last season.

He has scored against Newcastle too last season, and while recent opponents PAOK are much lower profile, Amad stepped up when the spotlight was on, when he knew Ruben Amorim would be watching.

Amad will hope for a fairer shake of playing time under the Portuguese boss. This was his first start since October 3, a full month.

That came against Porto, after he had missed the previous game entirely, and then he was substituted off entirely, and left out of the next starting line-up. It’s no way to build consistency.

There is competition in attack, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, but Amad needs his shot.

And when he does get an opportunity, he should not be hauled off after an hour if it’s not going to plan, he needs to be backed.