“He is a threat almost every training” - Manchester United boss Ten Hag defends his decision to bench 22-year-old star in stalemate with Fenerbahce

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag explained his decision to bench Amad Diallo in their 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce in the UEFA Europa League. The two sides clashed at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Turkey on Thursday, October 24.

Ten Hag chose a starting frontline of Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford against Fenerbahce. Even when he made his substitutions, the Dutchman replaced Rashford with Antony. Only when the Brazilian went off injured, did Amad Diallo come on in the 89th minute.

When asked about his decision to pick Antony over Amad for the substitution, Ten Hag said after the match (via mufcmpb):

“Amad, he is doing well. But I must also reward to reward the performances of Antony in training, he is a threat almost every training, so I felt in that moment to bring him, to decide the game.”

Amad has made 11 appearances across competitions this season for Manchester United, starting seven of them. His stint of just a few minutes against Fenerbahce was his first appearance in three games across competitions.

Manchester United signed Amad from Atalanta in January 2021 and he's since made just 32 appearances, contributing four goals and three assists.

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Erik ten Hag on Antony's injury during Manchester United's draw against Fenerbahce

Antony came on to replace Marcus Rashford in the 73rd minute against Fenerbahce on Thursday. However, he pulled up in the 87th minute and looked in pain. He was then stretchered off the pitch in the 89th minute as Amad Diallo replaced him.

After the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his concern and sympathy for Antony, saying (via manutd.com):

“It's really unlucky for him. I feel real compassion for him, when he worked so hard in training.

"His training performances are that good that he deserved to come on. When you have to come off so quickly, that is really sad to see. Hopefully, it’s not too bad, we have to wait 24 hours for what the assessment is.”

Antony has scored one goal in five appearances across competitions this season.

Manchester United, meanwhile, now have three draws in their three UEFA Europa League games this season. Christian Eriksen opened the scoring for them against Fenerbahce in the 15th minute before Youssef En-Nesyri equalised in the 49th minute.

The Red Devils will next face West Ham United at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday, October 27.