Erik ten Hag baffled Fenerbahce chiefs. (Image: Getty)
ultimately died by his recruitment at , having splurged over £600million in less than three years with very little to show for it. Potential favouritism fuelled by pressure to use players he paid millions for was one of many subjects of criticism the Dutchman faced as his tenure as United manager staggered to an end.
Those frustrations climaxed in the 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce on October 24 when Ten Hag performed his latest snub of Amad in favour of Antony.
United needed to turn the tides after Youssef En-Nesyri’s early second-half equaliser sparked an onslaught from Jose Mourinho’s hosts.
Ten Hag called on Antony, whose sole goal contribution of the season had come in the 7-0 thrashing of League One club Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
That tally didn’t rise before shipped him out to Real Betis on loan in the winter transfer window.
According to the , the decision to place his faith in Antony to make an impact over Amad left Fenerbahce figures gobsmacked – and likely relieved.
Ten Hag ironically had to call on Amad’s services when his preferred winger was forced off in the 89th minute through injury.
The 22-year-old unsurprisingly cut a downbeat figure on the touchline and had to be jeered up by assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Erik ten Hag often snubbed Amad. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
It was no surprise Amad wasn’t in a bright mood, considering Ten Hag had already replaced suspended captain by utilising right-back Noussair Mazraoui in attacking midfield.
United sacked Ten Hag less than a week later after a 2-1 defeat at West Ham United. Amad had started just four of the first 10 Premier League games of the season.
Van Nistelrooy released him from his shackles during his short interim spell in charge, and the Ivorian exploded.
His importance continued to rise once Amorim was in position, and he started all but one of 14 league fixtures before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in training.
In January, Amad was all smiles while he penned a new contract until 2030 as a reward for his ascent to prominence at Old Trafford.
He said: “I am really proud to have signed this new contract. I have had some incredible moments with this club already, but there is so much more to come.
“I have huge ambitions in the game, and I want to achieve history at .”
His contract was due to expire this summer. Had Ten Hag remained in the hot seat, it’s improbable Amad would’ve signed fresh terms beyond that.
Ten Hag’s agency, SEG, have teased a sit-down interview with the former United manager on their social media channels.
It is set to be released on Tuesday and will feature the 55-year-old publicly discussing his time at Old Trafford for the first time.