He’s the only good player in the whole Man United team now… If Erik ten Hag don’t want to be sacked, he should make the mistake he made last season”: Erik ten Hag told to avoid benching ONE Man United’s player if he really want to keep his job

Rio Ferdinand has expressed his view that Amad Diallo is making a strong case to become a regular starter for Manchester United after delivering another standout performance, despite the team’s loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United was defeated 2-1 at the Amex Stadium, with Brighton’s goals scored by Danny Welbeck and Joao Pedro, which ultimately left United without any points. However, Amad Diallo managed to score United’s only goal in the second half. The 22-year-old winger showcased his talent by cutting in from the right and unleashing a powerful shot into the net, highlighting his skill and composure.

This goal was particularly significant as it came less than a day after Amad announced the heartbreaking news of his stepmother’s death. The young Ivorian dedicated his goal to her, adding an emotional dimension to his achievement. Despite these tough circumstances, Amad has been in outstanding form, having started in United’s recent Premier League games against Fulham and Brighton. Ferdinand believes that Amad’s current form warrants his continued presence in the starting lineup.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Ferdinand praised Amad, saying, “I’m really happy for him. He’s had a difficult week with the loss of his stepmother, but his performance today was exceptional. He showed resilience and brilliance, especially with that goal, which is a classic Amad move—drawing the defender out, cutting inside, and then delivering a composed, powerful finish. He’s definitely playing his way into a regular starting role.”

Ferdinand also discussed Manchester United’s defensive issues, particularly the situation that led to Pedro’s late goal, which resulted from poor defending. United’s backline gave Pedro too much space and time, leaving him unmarked at the back post.

United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, criticized the team’s organization at that crucial moment, and Ferdinand suggested that the outcome might have been different if Harry Maguire had stayed on the field. Maguire was substituted and replaced by the newly signed Matthijs de Ligt, a decision that Ferdinand found surprising.

“I thought Harry Maguire grew into the game and played well. In fact, I think he was United’s best defender today,” Ferdinand said. “I was a bit puzzled when he was taken off. If he had stayed on, perhaps he would have been the one to organize and prevent that second goal.”

He also commented on the substitution, saying, “When a center-back is substituted during a match without an injury, it’s always a bit confusing. It wasn’t something that happened in our era. But with the depth of the squad, the manager has a lot of players to keep happy.”

Regarding Matthijs de Ligt, Ferdinand acknowledged that the Dutch defender looked comfortable after coming on but reiterated that Maguire had not played poorly, describing his performance as solid for most of the game.