Erik ten Hag admits Amad Diallo 'deserves more minutes' at Man Utd - but also claims talented winger had to be 'rebuilt' before being ready to make a 'real contribution'

The 21-year-old has made just six appearances in all competitions this season and is yet to start a game for United. However, the former Sunderland loanee was sidelined between last July until December due to a knee injury he sustained in pre-season. Even though he scored the winner to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup in March, Amad has had to bide his time - something Ten Hag has acknowledged. But the Dutchman added that competition for places and easing the attacker back in is a consideration.

Ten Hag told reporters on Tuesday: “Amad deserves it, but don’t forget he had a long period in the season injured, so we rebuilt him and now he has had some opportunities and (made) a real contribution. (On Sunday) He played in the position that is not his best position. He started as a striker and then he had to play in the midfield, so he did well.

“We have a number of players in that area, there is big competition. He already deserved more game minutes, I would say, but I have to choose there. We have (Alejandro) Garnacho, Antony, we have Omari Forson. We have a number of players in that position and we have to make choices there. But I am very happy with his performances and his progress, I see his qualities and his assets can really contribute to our game.”

Amad joined United from Atalanta in January 2021 in a deal worth £37.2 million ($46.2m) but has played just 15 times and scored two goals since then. He had a fairly underwhelming loan spell at Rangers in 2021-22 but a far more productive one at Sunderland in the Championship last term. While injury hampered his progress this season, his contract at Old Trafford expires in 2025 - meaning he is running out of time to kickstart his United career.

Amad will hope to get more game time in United's remaining fixtures this season, starting with their home clash against bottom of the table Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, followed by hosting lowly Burnley on Saturday.