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Benni: Why Ten Hag Preferred Antony Over Amad

Benni: Why Ten Hag Preferred Antony Over Amad

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Amad Diallo of Manchester United enters the pitch as a substitute to replace team mate Antony as Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sheffield United at Old Trafford on April 24, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United attacking coach Benni McCarthy has explained why Erik ten Hag preferred Antony over Amad Diallo.

The Red Devils signed Diallo from Atalanta in 2021 when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but did not register any regular minutes in the first team.

After loan spells with Rangers and Sunderland, the Red Devils opted to keep the Ivory Coast international last season but Ten Hag was not able to field the player regularly.

Read: 'Rashford Becoming Distraction At Man Utd'

"Tactically, when we set up, the manager [Ten Hag] felt that Antony was the best, better player for the job that he wanted because he knew Antony from Ajax," McCarthy told Podcast and Chill Network.

"He was his player, so he invested in him, and the club supported him. So, of course, he had to support the player that he bought, I think that's why he persisted in playing Antony. It's because he knew the capabilities when Antony was at his best.

"And then you had [Alejandro] Garnacho who was also playing well, scoring goals. [Marcus] Rashford, on any given day, could demolish anyone. And then you've got [Rasmus] Hojlund, you spend £70m on bringing him in, so he has to play. 

"So someone's got to [miss out], and unfortunately for Amad, the manager goes with the player he thinks is probably more capable for those type of games tactically, defensively and attacking."

Diallo been an important player for new coach Ruben Amorim, with the winger registering five goals and seven assists this campaign.

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