The low-key reactions from several Manchester United players on social media after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal have shone a light on deep-seated tensions within the squad. A notable lack of farewell posts or messages acknowledging Ten Hag has given fans and players room to read between the lines, reflecting perhaps more than simple social media choices.
Amad Diallo’s response, or lack thereof, has been particularly revealing. The talented young winger remained silent after Ten Hag was dismissed by INEOS following United’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. While players often differ in their social media presence, Amad’s lack of acknowledgment of Ten Hag appeared meaningful, especially considering his history with the coach. This silence led to speculation about strained relations and hinted that Amad was unhappy with how he had been handled under Ten Hag’s leadership.
By contrast, Amad openly expressed his admiration for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy when the Dutchman’s temporary role ended. The winger posted a warm message on Instagram, thanking Van Nistelrooy for his guidance. Many fans saw this as a clear indicator of Amad’s loyalty and the strong rapport he shared with Van Nistelrooy compared to Ten Hag.
Amad’s frustration seemed rooted in his lack of consistent playing time under Ten Hag. Although Amad had impressed with strong performances in the previous season and pre-season, Ten Hag only started him in seven out of 14 matches, limiting his ability to find rhythm and confidence. This decision disappointed many fans who had high hopes for Amad and believed he had much more to offer.
With Van Nistelrooy’s brief arrival, however, came a shift. Van Nistelrooy recognized Amad’s potential and gave him a starting role in United’s final two matches under his guidance. In these games, Amad made a significant impact, notably scoring twice in a Europa League win against PAOK, breaking the team’s European winless streak. He continued to shine in a 3-0 victory over Leicester, assisting Bruno Fernandes and showing off his versatility. These performances solidified fans’ faith in Amad’s readiness to take on more responsibility within the squad.
When Van Nistelrooy’s stint ended, and it became clear he would not remain on new head coach Ruben Amorim’s staff, Amad shared a heartfelt social media message, expressing his respect for Van Nistelrooy and reinforcing his disappointment in Ten Hag. This post emphasized the difference between his admiration for Van Nistelrooy’s approach and his silence on Ten Hag, revealing more about his dissatisfaction with the former coach’s leadership.
Fans, already uneasy about Ten Hag’s choices, felt especially frustrated by his decision to play Noussair Mazraoui over Amad in a crucial game. For many, this choice was emblematic of the missed chances that marked Amad’s tenure under Ten Hag. In contrast, Van Nistelrooy had openly supported Amad, giving him the opportunities to thrive that fans believed he deserved.
The disparity in these sentiments symbolized the larger issues within Manchester United’s dressing room. The struggles of young players like Amad, Ten Hag’s tactical choices, and Van Nistelrooy’s supportive approach combined to form a narrative of unrealized potential, sparking questions about missed opportunities and echoing fans’ growing frustrations with management decisions.
