Ten Hag was basically my nightmare and…” – Manchester United’s rising star Amad appeared to criticize Erik ten Hag with a pointed 10-word statement. This subtle yet impactful message seems to underscore lingering frustrations, adding to the scrutiny surrounding ten Hag’s tenure at United following his recent departure. Amad really went through a lot 😭💔 It’s good that ETH is gone 🥹❤️‍🩹

The restrained social media response from prominent Manchester United players following Erik ten Hag’s recent exit highlighted mounting friction within the team. The absence of messages acknowledging or thanking Ten Hag suggested underlying tension that had been simmering, leaving players and fans alike to interpret these silent reactions.

One response stood out: Amad Diallo, a young winger with much promise, avoided any public goodbye to Ten Hag after the manager was dismissed by INEOS following a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham United. Although differences in social media engagement are common among players, Amad’s silence was striking due to his history with Ten Hag. This lack of acknowledgment spurred speculation about strained relations and dissatisfaction with his treatment under Ten Hag’s leadership.

In contrast, Amad was quick to show gratitude to interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who temporarily took charge. When Van Nistelrooy’s brief tenure ended, Amad posted a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram, expressing respect and gratitude. To many fans, this message signaled Amad’s strong rapport with Van Nistelrooy, emphasizing the difference between his connections with the two managers.

Amad’s frustration stemmed largely from limited playing time under Ten Hag, despite his impressive form in the previous season and pre-season. Ten Hag allowed him significant minutes in only half of the 14 matches he managed, depriving Amad of the consistency he needed to build confidence. Fans who saw potential in him were puzzled by Ten Hag’s decision to restrict his opportunities.

The shift in management with Van Nistelrooy’s arrival, though brief, brought noticeable change. Recognizing Amad’s potential, Van Nistelrooy started him in United’s last two games under his management. Amad made the most of it, scoring twice in a Europa League win against PAOK, which ended United’s six-game winless streak in Europe. He followed up with an impressive showing in a 3-0 victory over Leicester, assisting Bruno Fernandes and displaying his flair on the field. Fans saw these performances as evidence of Amad’s readiness for larger responsibilities.

However, Van Nistelrooy’s departure signaled yet another transition, and as he prepared to leave the club without joining the new head coach Ruben Amorim’s staff, Amad again expressed admiration for him with a heartfelt social media post. This open display contrasted sharply with his silence toward Ten Hag, emphasizing Amad’s dissatisfaction with the latter’s management style.

Fans, already critical of some of Ten Hag’s decisions, were particularly discontented with his choice to start Noussair Mazraoui over Amad in a crucial match, a move they viewed as another missed opportunity for Amad. Conversely, Van Nistelrooy’s supportive approach offered Amad a chance to shine, which many fans felt he hadn’t received under Ten Hag.

After Ten Hag’s exit, the differing sentiments between Amad and Van Nistelrooy came to represent wider issues in Manchester United’s dressing room. Amad’s struggles, Ten Hag’s managerial preferences, and Van Nistelrooy’s encouraging approach created a narrative of untapped potential, prompting fans to reflect on missed opportunities for a promising player and to voice increasing frustration over manageme

nt decisions.