Amad Diallo has been told to step up at Manchester United and it sounds like he has took the advice from his manager on board.
The Ivory Coast international is excited about the season ahead.
Earlier this month, Ten Hag challenged Amad to step up for United, after he starred in a pre-season win over Rangers.
“We have to see Amad in a different way,” Ten Hag told MUTV.
“Of course he’s still young, but he’s not inexperienced anymore. Last season he had bad times with bad injuries, before that he was in the Championship and had a great season.
“At the end of last season he had a very good time in our first team, played some good games.
“Now this has to be the year. It’s great that he starts like this.”
Amad has continued to impress throughout the pre-season tour and is expected to start against Real Betis on Wednesday, hence why he held the pre-match press conference in San Diego.
United confirmed ahead of the press conference that Ten Hag would not be present for questions. Amad took the responsibility before pledging his support to Ten Hag and telling reports that he would stay at United for the rest of his life.
“I am so motivated to start the season, I’m so excited, I believe in the manager,” Amad said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “Last season, I know I didn’t play a lot but this season is going to be a good season for everyone and I’m so motivated to start the season.
“I think everyone wants to play, that’s why in the training you need to put everything in to fight and start in the XI. Everyone wants to play. We have a good team, good players – Antony, Sancho, Garnacho, Rashford – so the final [decision] is the manager who can decide who is on the pitch and who is on the bench.
“But when you don’t play you need to be ready, you can see the game when you are on the bench. Everyone is important in the team.”
The 22-year-old was hampered by injuries last season, making just nine Premier League appearances, but Ten Hag is confident the winger is ready to play a key role for the Reds.
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