Manchester United winger Amad Diallo cut a frustrated figure during Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce – and his reaction to being subbed on in the 89th minute has got people talking.
The 22-year-old was arguably United’s standout performer in the opening stages of the campaign. In fact, he was named their Player of the Month for August after impressing against Manchester City, Brighton and Fulham.
But after a superb start to the season, he has made just one start in the last five games, with Erik ten Hag looking elsewhere for inspiration.
Ahead of Thursday night’s trip to Turkey, many expected Diallo to feature with the squad looking thin of options but instead, Ten Hag started full-back Noussair Mazraoui at No 10 in a move that surprised many.
Then, as they searched for a winner at 1-1, the United manager brought on Antony for Marcus Rashford.
“Amad, he is doing well,” Ten Hag said after the draw. “But I must also reward the performances of Antony in training. He is a threat almost every training session, so I felt in that moment the right thing to do was bring him on to decide the game.”
Amad was eventually brought on after Antony picked up an injury in the latter stages but the change was deemed too late for many supporters.
Before coming on, United coaches Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson made a noticeable attempt to try and fire up the Ivorian, but he appeared dejected on the Sukru Saracoglu touchline.
It was a scene that soon went viral on social media, with supporters having their say on Amad’s treatment.
One said: “Whether you think Amad Diallo is good enough, thats totally fine, but a right back starting over you in your position is a massive slap in the face,” while another wrote: “He has every right to be upset man.”
A third commented: “I will never, ever understand the rationale of not using Amad when he’s technically excellent and shown his attacking capabilities already this season. Why bring Antony on before him? Absolutely bizarre.”
A fourth wrote: “Amad Diallo looked VISIBLY upset at not being properly involved today. And he has every right to be. One of our best attacking players and we don’t bring him on when we need a goal? Makes no sense whatsoever.”
A fifth added: “If you’re Amad Diallo, feels like tonight is difficult to come back from in all honesty, very telling how’s he’s currently perceived.”
Thoughts on the Amad situation? Does he deserve more minutes? Let us know in the comments.