He was the only player we were all scared of. Many coaches have talked a lot about him, but Erik ten Hag puts him on the bench. We were really surprised. We couldn’t believe it. This guy would work in any team in the world and become a superstar.” – Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce staff were shocked by Erik ten Hag’s treatment of a certain Man Utd player who is not happy with Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United and Fenerbahce played to a 1-1 draw in the Europa League, prompting scrutiny over Erik ten Hag’s tactical decisions.

United remains winless in the Europa League after Youssef En-Nesyri canceled out Christian Eriksen’s first-half goal, securing a point for the hosts. The match, marked by a reunion with former United manager Jose Mourinho, took a dramatic turn when Mourinho was sent off in the second half. He expressed frustration over the referee’s decision not to award a penalty following Manuel Ugarte’s challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Ten Hag raised eyebrows with his lineup, starting full-back Noussair Mazraoui in the No. 10 position to cover for the absent Bruno Fernandes. But his decision not to start Amad Diallo reportedly surprised the Fenerbahce staff. According to *The Athletic*, members of Mourinho’s staff were “stunned” by Amad’s late introduction, especially after he took on Fenerbahce defender Mert Muldur with his first touch, drawing a foul.

On social media, United fans expressed frustration over Amad’s benching. After the game, Ten Hag explained his choice to favor Antony over Amad, citing the Brazilian’s consistent impact in training. “Amad is doing well,” Ten Hag said. “But Antony’s training performances are difficult to overlook, so I felt he could help us turn the game.”

The decision was further complicated when Antony, subbed on just minutes earlier, was forced to leave the stadium on crutches, adding to Ten Hag’s injury challenges this season.

United’s next match is on October 27, an away game against West Ham, where Amad will be hoping for a place in the starting lineup. The 22-year-old has registered one goal and one assist in four Premier League starts this season.

The 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce has sparked significant debate over Erik ten Hag’s tactical decisions, especially with Manchester United still winless in the Europa League. While Christian Eriksen gave United an early lead, Youssef En-Nesyri’s equalizer and the subsequent red card for former United manager Jose Mourinho were key moments. Mourinho’s frustration was evident as he argued for a penalty following a challenge from Manuel Ugarte on Bright Osayi-Samuel—a decision that many felt was contentious.

One of the more surprising aspects of Ten Hag’s approach was his decision to start full-back Noussair Mazraoui in the No. 10 role to compensate for Bruno Fernandes’ absence. This choice, coupled with the benching of Amad Diallo, left Fenerbahce’s staff—and United fans—puzzled. Amad made an immediate impact when he came on, drawing a foul with his first touch against Fenerbahce defender Mert Muldur, leading some to question why he wasn’t utilized earlier.

After the match, Ten Hag defended his preference for Antony over Amad, praising the Brazilian’s consistent training performances. However, the move was further complicated as Antony left the stadium on crutches after being subbed in, adding to United’s growing list of injuries.

As United prepares to face West Ham, fans hope that Amad will get more playing time, especially after showing promise in his limited Premier League appearances this season. This upcoming match could be an opportunity for Ten Hag to reassess his lineup and give Amad a chance to prove himself from the start.